noʊ smoʊk wɪˈðaʊt ˈfaɪər
Nature & Weather
neutral
intermediate
- Literally:
- Smoke cannot exist without fire producing it
What does "no smoke without fire" mean?
- Rumors usually have some basis in truth
- If there are persistent allegations, there's probably some truth
Examples
- I'm not sure if the rumors are true, but there's no smoke without fire.
- Where there's smoke, there's fire—something must be going on.
- No smoke without fire, as they say.
Origin
Based on the physical reality that smoke is produced by fire. Used since at least the 13th century in various languages.
How to use it
Can be used to justify suspicion. May unfairly condemn innocent people.
Similar expressions
where there's smoke there's fire
rumors have basis
Opposites
false accusations exist
rumors can be baseless
Related idioms
- out of the blue
Unexpectedly; without warning
- beat around the bush
To avoid talking about the main point of a conversation
- every cloud has a silver lining
There is something positive in every negative situation
- go with the flow
To accept things as they are and adapt accordingly
- once in a blue moon
Very rarely; almost never
- tip of the iceberg
A small visible part of a much larger hidden problem
Use it in a practice answer
Try "no smoke without fire" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.