Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Absolutely certain, guaranteed to happen: Used to emphasize that something is completely certain or inevitable, with no doubt whatsoever.

2. Adverb:

   • Definitely, positively, without any doubt: Used to modify a verb or a whole statement to express absolute certainty about an action or outcome.

Usage

• Adjective: Typically used in the phrase "as sure as shooting" to function as a predicate adjective, following a linking verb like "is" or "are."
• Adverb: Used to modify a verb or clause, often appearing at the end of a sentence for emphasis.

Examples

• Adjective:

  • It is sure as shooting that the sun will rise tomorrow. (It is absolutely certain.)
  • If you bet on that horse, your loss is sure as shooting. (Your loss is guaranteed.)

• Adverb:

  • He'll be there, sure as shooting. (He will definitely be there.)
  • We're going to win this game, sure as shooting. (We are positively going to win.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase "sure as shooting" is an informal idiom that adds folksy or emphatic color to a statement of certainty. It is often used in spoken English for dramatic effect.
• It can sometimes be shortened in very casual speech to "sure as," with "shooting" being implied.

Variants and Related Words

• For sure (adv. phrase): Definitely, certainly.
  • I'll be there for sure.
• Sure enough (adv. phrase): As was expected or predicted.
  • I said it would rain, and sure enough, it did.
• Certain (adj.): Known for sure; established beyond doubt.
• Positive (adj.): Completely certain.

Synonyms

• Without a doubt: With complete certainty.
• Without fail: In every case, invariably.
• Guaranteed: Promised to happen or be the case.
• Inevitably: As is certain to happen; unavoidably.

Related Idioms

• As sure as death and taxes: Used to say something is completely inevitable. (This is more formal/literary than "sure as shooting.")
• Bet your bottom dollar: To be absolutely certain about something. (Implies a willingness to wager everything on it.)
• Beyond a shadow of a doubt: With absolute certainty, leaving no possibility for doubt. (Often used in legal contexts.)

Adjective

1. absolutely certain
   • it is sure as shooting that they will come

Adverb

1. definitely or positively (`sure' is sometimes used informally for `surely')
   • the results are surely encouraging
   • she certainly is a hard worker
   • it's going to be a good day for sure
   • they are coming, for certain
   • they thought he had been killed sure enough
   • he'll win sure as shooting
   • they sure smell good
   • sure he'll come