Meaning of smoke signal | Babel Free

Definitions

1. A method of long-distance communication sometimes used in ancient and undeveloped societies, consisting of messages conveyed by means of columns or intermittent puffs of smoke.
2. A message or sign sent by this method.
3. An indirect message or indication, especially concerning a future event.
   idiomatic
4. A type of flare or combustion device sometimes used as a distress signal.

Equivalents

Examples

“"I have⟳ seen the first of the smoke⟳ signals, Gulunna," he said, "Chief Bulla's tribes are on their way."”

“However, there are still signs of the careful study⟳ of sources—the smoke-signal which brought Caesar news of the Pompeian escape⟳ (279; Caes.3.65.2) and the second fortification inside the camp which Caesar attacked (288; Caes.3.66.4-5).”

“By every kind of wigwag and smoke⟳ signal in the language of diplomacy, the Administration seemed to be trying last⟳ week to tell⟳ Chinese Communist Boss Mao Tse-tung that he had nothing to worry⟳ about from the U.S.”

“A Huskie helicopter was whirring over the Gulf of Tonkin in search⟳ of Cullen when Vietnamese 1st Lieut. Nguyen Van Phu, who ditched his flaming Skyraider near the spot where the U.S. pilot went down, fired a smoke⟳ signal to attract⟳ its attention.”

CEFR level