in a smoke-filled room

in a smoke-filled room

In a secluded, private place that is hidden from the knowledge of the public. Usually refers to deals and policies made in business and politics, and often implies a degree of questionable ethics. What we're discovering now is that the heads of the studios decided in a smoke-filled room nearly 60 years ago to implement policies that would ensure no competitors would intrude on their lucrative market. People are becoming increasingly frustrated that our entire lives are dictated by a powerful few in smoke-filled rooms in Washington.
See also: room
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

in a smoke-filled room

(of political bargaining or decision-making) conducted privately by a small group of influential people rather than more openly or democratically.
This expression comes from a 1920 news report about the selection of the Republican presidential candidate: ‘[Warren] Harding of Ohio was chosen by a group of men in a smoke-filled room’.
See also: room
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • a smoke-filled room
  • smoke-filled room
  • take the Browns to the Super Bowl
  • Aztec two-step
  • Montezuma
  • Montezuma’s revenge
  • Montezuma's revenge
  • eye to the main chance, have an
  • have an eye for the main chance
  • have an eye to/for the main chance
References in periodicals archive
Phil Hales, area manager for community safety, said: "We are always looking for new and innovative ways to help in our campaign to cut the number of preventable deaths." One room contains a smoke room which allows people to experience what it would be like if they were in a smoke-filled room.
Blow-up fire engine's message THE world's largest
I HAVE many memories of being in a smoke-filled room or pub, but on one of my trips back to Liverpool around five years ago I ended up in several pubs on a Saturday night.
That is a lasting memory of being in a smoke-filled room, not to mention what I and others would have breathed in.
Letter: You say - Smoke-filled memories
He said: "It turned out that although smokers enjoyed a cigarette they actually didn't want to sit in a smoke-filled room all night so I decided to take the gamble."
Smoke is out
Although we hate to have to eat in a smoke-filled room, philosophically we didn't agree with the act despite the sensible arguments about it being a public health matter, an economic development matter and a matter of common sense.
Leading the charge
Bravery awards are being presented to two Coventry police officers who saved the life of a woman trapped in a smoke-filled room.
Fire rescue policemen to get bravery awards