Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
a-smoking-gun
noun
/ə ˈsmoʊkɪŋ ɡʌn/
Definition
A clear and undeniable piece of evidence that proves wrongdoing or guilt.
Examples
- The discovery of the missing funds was the smoking gun that revealed the accountant’s embezzlement scheme.
- In the investigation, the text messages served as a smoking gun, showing the suspect’s intent.
- The report contained the smoking gun that the company had been hiding its financial troubles.
Meaning
The term ‘smoking gun’ is often used to refer to conclusive evidence that points directly to someone’s involvement in a crime or unacceptable behavior. The phrase suggests that just as the smoke from a gun indicates it has been fired, the evidence it refers to clearly indicates guilt or involvement.
Synonyms
- conclusive evidence
- irrefutable proof
- decisive evidence
