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

1. drive out with smoke
   • smoke out the bees