the big smoke

the big smoke

A particular large city, used especially in reference to London, England; Dublin, Ireland; Toronto, Canada; or Sydney, Australia. Sometimes capitalized. Primarily heard in Ireland. I've never enjoyed the Big Smoke—the hustle and bustle of London never agreed with my small-town sensibilities. After spending a summer working as an intern up in the big smoke, Daniel decided he wanted to live in Dublin permanently.

See also: big, smoke

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

the big smoke

or

the Big Smoke

The big smoke is a large city, especially London. He and his wife had long dreamed of leaving the big smoke and spending their days sailing from port to port.

See also: big, smoke

Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012

the big smoke

1 London. British informal 2 any large town. chiefly Australian

See also: big, smoke

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017