Smoke out Meaning in English
expression
Definition
To force someone or something out of hiding, either literally by using smoke or figuratively by revealing secrets or information.
Usage & Nuances
Used both literally (with smoke) and figuratively (to reveal secrets or force someone to reveal themselves). Common in journalism and police contexts ('smoke out the truth'). Informal and vivid; not for very formal writing.
Example Sentences
They used fire to smoke out the bees from the tree.
basic
Reporters tried to smoke out the truth about the scandal.
basic
The police hope to smoke out the hiding suspect.
basic
It's hard to smoke out who started the rumor, but we'll find out.
natural
The journalist's questions finally smoked out the real reason for the delay.
natural
We had to get creative to smoke out the mole in the company.
natural