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

1. a forceful dunk
2. something that is a sure to occur; a foregone conclusion
   • predicting his success was a slam dunk