A common proverb meaning 'there's no smoke without fire'—rumors or suspicions usually have some basis. Frequently used in everyday speech.
彼の不在が続くと、同僚たちは噂を始めた。火のない所に煙は立たぬと言うし、確認した方がいい。
As he was absent for a long time, colleagues started rumors. There's no smoke without fire, so it's better to check.
根拠のない中傷もあるが、火のない所に煙は立たぬという見方もある。
There are baseless slanders, but there's also the view that there's no smoke without fire.
彼女が急に会社を辞めたと聞いて驚いた。噂は多いが、火のない所に煙は立たぬとも言う。
I was surprised to hear she suddenly quit the company. There are many rumors, and as they say, there's no smoke without fire.