E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Smoke.
To detect, or rather to get a scent, of some plot or scheme. The allusion is to the detection of robbers by the smoke seen to issue from their place of concealment.
1
No smoke without fire. Every slander has some foundation. The reverse proverb, “No fire without smoke,” means no good without some drawback.
2
To end in smoke. To come to no practical result. The allusion is to kindling, which smokes, but will not light a fire.
3
To smoke the calumet (or pipe) of peace. (See CALUMET.)
