Smoking gun Meaning in English
expression
Definition
A fact or piece of evidence that clearly proves who did something, especially in a crime or investigation.
Usage & Nuances
'Smoking gun' is mostly used in legal, investigative, or journalistic contexts for absolutely conclusive evidence. Often metaphorical—does not have to involve an actual weapon. Sometimes used outside crime to mean clear proof in any situation. Not used for minor or uncertain evidence.
Example Sentences
The police finally found the smoking gun that solved the case.
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The email was the smoking gun in the investigation.
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Without a smoking gun, they couldn’t prove he was guilty.
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Investigators searched for a year before they found the smoking gun.
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This document is the smoking gun we've been waiting for.
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It’s hard to find a smoking gun in business scandals, but sometimes the proof shows up anyway.
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