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smoking

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smoking gun

Indisputably incriminating evidence. Likened to a gun that is still smoking after having been fired. A smoking gun was revealed in the form of emails documenting the man's involvement in the money laundering scheme. So far the prosecutor has presented only circumstantial evidence, but she's expected to reveal a smoking gun against the defendant soon.

See also: gun, smoking

what was (one) smoking

slang What were you thinking? Used to express confusion, annoyance, or surprise at someone's past actions. The phrase alludes to drug use. What were you smoking when you picked out this hideous wallpaper? What were we smoking when we thought a flight at 6 AM was a good idea?

See also: smoking

the smoking gun

Fig. the indisputable sign of guilt. (Fig. on a murderer being caught just after shooting the victim.) Mr. south was left holding the smoking gun. The chief of staff decided that the the aide should be found with the smoking gun.

See also: gun, smoking

a smoking gun

information which proves without doubt that someone committed a crime A smoking gun was found in the form of an incriminating memorandum and Walker was convicted of theft.

See also: gun, smoking

smoking gun

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]

See also: gun, smoking

smoking gun

n. the indisputable sign of guilt. The chief of staff decided that the admiral should be found with the smoking gun.

See also: gun, smoking