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Smoking gun
01
a piece of evidence that is used to prove someone's crimes or wrong deeds
IdiomWhat is the origin of the idiom "smoking gun" and when to use it?
The idiom "smoking gun" has its origins in the world of detective fiction and crime investigations. It gained wider popularity and usage in the 20th century. It is used in discussions related to criminal investigations, scandals, legal proceedings, or situations where conclusive proof is presented.
Example
The detective uncovers a document that is the smoking gun, revealing the suspect's direct involvement in the conspiracy.
The journalist believes she has found the smoking gun, an email that implicates the politician in a corruption scandal.
