# pass the bottle of smoke

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/pass-the-bottle-of-smoke
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To acquiesce in some falsehood; to make pretence.

## Examples

- Don't pass the bottle of smoke about why you were late.
- He knew the excuse was a lie, but he decided to pass the bottle of smoke just to keep the peace.
- Rather than confront the uncomfortable truth, the committee chose to pass the bottle of smoke, offering a vague explanation that satisfied no one.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.