slam dunk
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. A forceful dunk: In basketball, a slam dunk is a shot in which a player jumps high and powerfully throws the ball down through the basket. 2. Something that is sure to occur; a foregone conclusion: By extension, a "slam dunk" is a situation, result, or action that is certain to succeed or be achieved.
Usage and Examples
Basketball context:
- The player's spectacular slam dunk brought the crowd to its feet.
- He is known for his ability to execute a perfect slam dunk.
Figurative context (certainty):
- With her qualifications, getting the job was a slam dunk.
- The prosecution's evidence made a conviction a slam dunk.
Advanced Usage
- "to be a slam dunk": To be an absolute certainty or an easy success.
- The new product launch is a slam dunk; market research shows huge demand.
- "to slam-dunk" (verb, informal): To accomplish something with absolute certainty or forcefulness.
- She slam-dunked her final exam. (Figurative: She performed exceptionally well and with certainty.)
Variants and Related Words
- Dunk (noun/verb): The general act of scoring by thrusting the ball down into the basket. A "slam dunk" is a specific, forceful type of dunk.
- Sure thing (noun, idiom): A synonym in the figurative sense, meaning something guaranteed.
Synonyms
- Certainty
- Foregone conclusion
- Sure thing
- Guarantee
Related Idioms and Phrases
- "A done deal": Similar to the figurative use, meaning something already decided or certain.
- "In the bag": An idiom meaning something is assured or certain to be won or achieved.
Noun
- a forceful dunk
- something that is a sure to occur; a foregone conclusion
- predicting his success was a slam dunk