a sure deal

USAGE SUMMARY

"a sure deal" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to a guaranteed agreement or transaction, or could mean something that has been agreed upon and is almost certain to happen. For example, "We have made a sure deal—the new software will be installed within the month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

There was also a sure deal breaker.

The New Yorker

The issue is whether boards are using this silence to go too far in giving their chosen bidder a sure deal with lock-ups.

The New York Times

Duncan was privy to the Chicago negotiations, and what impressed him was how Thibodeau turned down a sure deal for a possibility in Chicago, which had not yet decided.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Nevertheless, when Clarkson, Hammond and May found themselves cast off, the acquisition of their services seemed like the surest deal a rival service could possibly make.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Salespeople tend to go with their strengths, and it was often difficult to persuade the field salespeople to get behind a new product that looked like a sure winner when the deal was being developed.

Forbes

Merrill went on, though, to give Clinton a sure argument against the deal.

Los Angeles Times

"If we're $10,000 or $15,000 apart," he said, "I'll do what I can with a commission to make sure a deal happens".

The New York Times

Neither deal was a sure thing.

The New York Times - Sports

Once AB InBev had tabled a bid that SAB directors felt valued the company at a fair price, the deal was a sure thing.

The Guardian

Meanwhile, Wall Street is no longer betting that the deal is a sure thing, and prognosticators have lowered their odds that it will happen.

TechCrunch

Anyone who has ever sat through a vacation timeshare spiel should recognize that false urgency is a sure sign of a bad deal.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a sure deal", ensure the context clearly indicates what makes the deal certain. For instance, specify the conditions or guarantees that solidify the agreement.

Common error

Avoid using "a sure deal" when the outcome is still uncertain or contingent on future events. This phrase implies a high degree of confidence, so ensure it aligns with the actual level of assurance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sure deal" primarily functions as a noun phrase that describes an agreement or transaction with a high degree of certainty. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a sure deal" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to convey that an agreement or transaction is highly likely to happen. According to Ludwig, it is acceptable in various contexts, with a primary presence in news and media. While alternatives exist, "a sure deal" effectively communicates a sense of confidence and assurance. When using this phrase, be mindful of the actual certainty level and ensure the context supports the implied confidence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a done deal

Indicates the agreement is finalized and unchangeable.

a guaranteed agreement

Emphasizes the certainty and security of the agreement.

an assured transaction

Focuses on the confidence in the successful completion of the transaction.

a certain bargain

Highlights the advantageous nature of the transaction.

a secured arrangement

Implies that the arrangement has been protected and confirmed.

a locked-in contract

Stresses the binding and inescapable nature of the contract.

a definite understanding

Emphasizes the clarity and lack of ambiguity in the agreement.

a bankable proposition

Highlights the financial viability and reliability of the deal.

a slam-dunk agreement

Implies an easy and obvious success in reaching the agreement.

a no-brainer transaction

Suggests the transaction requires little thought due to its obvious benefits.

FAQs

What does "a sure deal" mean?

"A sure deal" refers to an agreement or transaction that is considered guaranteed or highly likely to happen. It implies a strong level of confidence in the outcome.

How can I use "a sure deal" in a sentence?

You can use "a sure deal" to describe situations where the success of an agreement is virtually certain. For example, "With all the contracts signed, the merger is "a sure deal" now."

What are some alternatives to saying "a sure deal"?

Alternatives to "a sure deal" include phrases like "a guaranteed agreement", "a done deal", or "a certain bargain".

Is it appropriate to use "a sure deal" in formal writing?

While "a sure deal" is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives such as "a guaranteed agreement" or "an assured transaction" may be preferred in highly formal or business contexts.