Smoke Meaning
Smoke Definition & Usage
A visible vapor or gas that rises from something burning or smoldering, often associated with fire or heat.
Examples
- "The smoke from the fire filled the room, making it difficult to see."
- "He waved his hand in front of his face to disperse the smoke."
- "As the candle burned down, a small puff of smoke escaped from the wick."
- "The smoke from the chimney indicated that the fireplace was still burning."
- "She coughed as the thick smoke from the bonfire entered her lungs."
To emit or produce smoke, typically as a result of burning or smoldering.
Examples
- "The chimney smoked all night as the fire crackled inside."
- "He smoked the meat over a slow fire for several hours."
- "The factory’s smokestacks were visibly smoking, releasing a thick plume into the sky."
- "The burning incense continued to smoke in the corner of the room."
- "She smoked the fish over the grill to add flavor."
To inhale and exhale the smoke produced by burning tobacco or other substances, commonly using a cigarette, cigar, or pipe.
Examples
- "He smoked a cigar while watching the game."
- "They sat on the porch, smoking and chatting into the night."
- "She smoked a cigarette nervously while waiting for the interview to begin."
- "He smoked a pipe in the garden, enjoying the quiet afternoon."
- "Smoking in public places has been banned in many countries due to health concerns."
Metaphorically, something that confuses, distracts, or hides the truth.
Examples
- "The politician’s vague responses were just smoke and mirrors to avoid the real issue."
- "He tried to create smoke and mirrors around the company's financial troubles."
- "The CEO's speech was full of smoke and promises, but lacked concrete actions."
- "She could see through the smoke and understand what was really going on."
- "Don’t let their fancy ads fool you; it's just smoke and mirrors to hide the truth."
Cultural Context
The word 'smoke' has its origins in Old English, where it was used to describe the visible vapor produced by burning substances. Its usage extends to various fields, from cooking (e.g., smoking meats) to industrial processes (e.g., factory smokestacks). In modern culture, 'smoke' also has a strong association with tobacco consumption, as well as with metaphorical meanings that refer to deception or distraction.
The Smoke and Mirrors of Truth
Story
The Smoke and Mirrors of Truth
Lena sat by the window, watching the rising smoke from the distant fire. The soft, twisting tendrils of gray lifted into the sky, curling around the power lines like a ghostly figure. Her grandmother used to say that smoke had a way of hiding the truth, just as it hid the fire’s true size from view. It was a comforting thought back then, but today, it felt ominous. The fire was only a few miles away, but it was already too close for comfort. The authorities had assured the public that everything was under control, but Lena didn’t believe them. She had seen enough in her time working with the fire department to know that the real story often lay beneath the smoke, behind the reassuring statements. The smoke from the blaze was thick now, seeping through the cracks in her windows. Her phone buzzed, and she picked it up to read the message from her sister: 'They said it’s under control. But we both know better. Don’t let them pull the wool over your eyes. It’s just smoke and mirrors.' Lena smiled bitterly. She had been hearing that phrase a lot lately, especially when it came to the mayor’s office. The political figures in town were experts at creating smoke and mirrors, diverting attention away from the real issues, just as they always did during election season. A knock on the door broke her thoughts. It was the neighbor, Mr. Harrow, his face as grim as ever. 'You feel that?' he asked. 'The air’s thick with smoke. This is more than just a fire. Someone’s hiding something.' Lena nodded. She had the same feeling. 'It’s all smoke and mirrors. But this time, we need to find the fire beneath it.' Together, they walked toward the town hall, determined to uncover the truth hidden behind the smoke, hoping that they wouldn’t become part of it themselves.
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