# smoking gun

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/smoking-gun
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Evidence, particularly of a crime, that is difficult or impossible to dispute.

## Examples

- The missing money is the smoking gun in this case.
- The detective found a hidden email that served as the smoking gun, proving the manager knew about the fraud.
- Although the suspect maintained his innocence, the discovery of the encrypted files provided the smoking gun that ultimately led to his conviction.

## Origin

Often traced back to the Sherlock Holmes story The Adventure of the Gloria Scott.

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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.