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.
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.
the big smoke
1 London. British informal 2 any large town. chiefly Australian