smoke signal
An indirect message or indication, especially concerning a future event.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“He sent a smoke signal that he might quit soon.”
“The manager gave a smoke signal about potential layoffs during the meeting, leaving everyone feeling quite nervous.”
“Although she remained silent during the negotiations, her subtle change in tone served as a smoke signal that she was preparing to reject the final offer.”
- 01
end in smoke
To be destroyed or ruined; to go up in smoke.
- 02
go up in smoke
To be completely ruined, devastated, or reduced to nothingness.
- 03
holy smoke
An expression of astonishment.
- 04
pass the bottle of smoke
To acquiesce in some falsehood; to make pretence.
- 05
put that in your pipe and smoke it
Used after stating something surprising or undesired, in order to emphasize its truth.
- 06
smoke like a chimney
To smoke tobacco frequently.
- 07
smoke one's own dope
To believe one's own lies or posturings.
- 08
smoke out
To expose (something or somebody).
Last updated August 10, 2026