SMOKING GUN Definition & Meaning

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smoking gun

noun

indisputable proof or evidence of a crime.

smoking gun

noun

a piece of irrefutable incriminating evidence

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of smoking gun¹

First recorded in 1970–75

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Idioms and Phrases

Something that serves as indisputable evidence or proof, especially of a crime. For example, There is no smoking gun in the Oval Office; the President had no role in tampering with the evidence. This expression alludes to the smoke coming from a recently discharged firearm, a normal occurrence until the invention of smokeless powder. [Mid-1900s]

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

"Facing clear evidence of peril, we cannot wait for the final proof - the smoking gun - that could come in the form of a mushroom cloud," Bush said in an October 2002 televised speech.

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Chilton alleges that there are two smoking guns that support his case.

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"The smoking gun is very smoky indeed, it's right out there," he said.

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"I think this is a pretty big smoking gun. That would be, again, strong evidence that the effective management of the company was not taking place in the BVI," she said.

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Arnold declined both requests, noting the evidence was not tantamount to “a smoking gun,” such as an eyewitness claiming Mayers was the shooter.

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smoking-concert smoking jacket

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