Definition

1. Verb phrase:
   • To be certain of / to be sure of: To have a firm conviction or assurance about a particular outcome, often based on strong evidence or a very high probability.
   • To have (something) in the bag / to consider (something) guaranteed: To be so confident of a positive result (like a victory or success) that it is treated as already secured.

Usage Examples

• Verb phrase:
  • Đội chủ nhà cầm chắc chiến thắng. (The home team is certain of victory.)
  • Với số phiếu bầu áp đảo, ông ấy cầm chắc một ghế trong quốc hội. (With an overwhelming number of votes, he is sure of a seat in parliament.)
  • Tôi cầm chắc rằng cô ấy sẽ đồng ý. (I am sure that she will agree.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase often implies a future outcome that is perceived as inevitable. It is frequently used in contexts of competition, exams, predictions, or obtaining a desired result.
• It can be used with a direct object (e.g., ) or followed by a clause with (that).

Variants and Related Words

• Chắc chắn (adj/adverb): sure, certain, definitely. This is a more common and general term for certainty.
  • Kết quả là chắc chắn. (The result is certain.)

Synonyms

• To be assured of: To be confident in the certainty of something.
• To be guaranteed: To be certain to happen or be obtained.
• To have no doubt about: To be completely convinced.

Related Idioms

• Cầm chắc phần thua: To be sure of defeat; to have failure guaranteed.
  • Thiếu sự chuẩn bị, họ cầm chắc phần thua. (Lacking preparation, they are sure to lose.)

1. To hold (something) for certain; to be sure of success