smoke out
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb (transitive) 1. To force someone or something out of a hiding place by using smoke: The primary meaning involves using smoke as a method to flush out a person, animal, or insect from a concealed location, such as a building, hole, or other refuge. 2. To uncover or expose something hidden, especially information or a person: Used figuratively to describe the act of revealing a secret, discovering hidden facts, or forcing someone involved in clandestine activities to become visible or known.
Usage and Examples
- The firefighters had to smoke out the raccoon that was trapped in the chimney.
- The police attempted to smoke out the fugitive from the abandoned warehouse.
- (Figurative) The investigative journalist managed to smoke out the truth about the corruption scandal.
- (Figurative) The new audit was designed to smoke out any financial irregularities within the department.
Advanced Usage
- The phrase is often used in contexts involving law enforcement, journalism, or investigation to describe the process of uncovering secrets.
- It can imply a deliberate and strategic effort to force a hidden element into the open.
Variants and Related Words
- Smoke (verb): To emit smoke; to inhale and exhale the smoke of tobacco.
- Smoke (noun): The visible vapor and gases given off by a burning substance.
Synonyms
- Flush out
- Ferret out
- Uncover
- Expose
- Root out
Related Phrasal Verbs/Idioms
- Bring to light: To reveal or make something known.
- The documents brought to light new evidence.
- Root out: To find and remove or destroy something completely.
- The company vowed to root out inefficiency.
Verb
- drive out with smoke
- smoke out the bees