a sure shot

USAGE SUMMARY

"a sure shot" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means something that is certain or guaranteed to be successful. Example: "Her plan was a sure shot for winning the competition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Here comes a sure shot: Anna Wintour.

The New York Times - Style

In a post covering this development, Vox's Sarah Kliff wrote, "None of the insurance expansions are a sure shot because of the politics.

The New Yorker

So, who is the horse being touted as almost a sure shot to capture the mile-and-a-quarter distance and the fame that goes with it?

The New York Times - Sports

ImClone Systems' cancer drug, Erbitux, was expected to be the biggest new biotechnology product approved this year, such a sure shot that Bristol-Myers Squibb agreed last September to pay $2 billion for marketing rights.

The New York Times

It is the power and dedication of citizens that make a difference; I am sure the ocean and citizens know the difference between a cheap shot and a sure shot for a cleaner ocean.

The New York Times

"The prevalence of firearms and the high value placed on the quick draw made a sure shot the test of manliness," Daniel J. Boorstin, the former librarian of Congress, wrote in "The Americans: The Democratic Experience" (Random House, 1985).

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

This one's like insurance – in case nothing else is a hit, here's a sure-shot.

Wikipedia

The more it seems that Hillary Clinton is emerging as a sure-shot, the more nervous I become.

Huffington Post

I've been using a Leica D-Lux 5, which is a little sure shot, a fantastic camera.

The New York Times

The man's face was disfigured by rage and fear, as if everything he'd worked for and believed in was in the process of being destroyed by a Canon Sure Shot.

Huffington Post

He named her "Little Sure Shot"—a name that Oakley used throughout her career.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sure shot" to express confidence in an outcome, especially when referring to plans, strategies, or predictions that are highly likely to succeed. It is more impactful than simply saying something is 'likely'.

Common error

While "a sure shot" is a valid idiom, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms such as "guaranteed success" or "safe bet" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sure shot" functions primarily as a noun phrase that acts as a predicate nominative or appositive, describing something considered certain or guaranteed. It modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating a high degree of certainty or success. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Wiki

21%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Huffington Post

12%

The New Yorker

6%

The New York Times - Sports

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sure shot" is a common and correct English phrase used to describe something that is considered almost certain to succeed. Ludwig AI confirms that it is usable in written English. It appears most frequently in news and media, as well as wiki sources. While its register is generally neutral to informal, it's important to consider the context and choose more formal alternatives like "guaranteed success" in academic or professional settings. Be mindful of overusing the phrase to avoid sounding repetitive, and utilize synonyms to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a guaranteed success

Emphasizes the certainty of a positive outcome, similar to "a sure shot".

a definite winner

Highlights the inevitable victory associated with "a sure shot".

a certain bet

Implies a high degree of confidence in a positive outcome, like "a sure shot".

a lead-pipe cinch

An informal idiom expressing a near-guaranteed success, similar to "a sure shot".

a foregone conclusion

Indicates that the outcome is already decided, offering a sense of inevitability like "a sure shot".

a dead certainty

Stresses the absolute certainty of an event, echoing the assurance of "a sure shot".

a safe bet

Suggests minimal risk and a high likelihood of success, similar to "a sure shot".

virtually assured

Highlights the near-certainty of an event, much like "a sure shot".

practically guaranteed

Implies a high level of confidence in a successful outcome, similar to "a sure shot".

a slam dunk

An idiom expressing guaranteed success with ease.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sure shot" to describe something with a high probability of success. For example: "Investing in renewable energy is "a sure shot" for a sustainable future".

What's a more formal way to say "a sure shot"?

In a formal setting, you could use phrases like "guaranteed success" or "foregone conclusion" instead of "a sure shot".

What are some informal alternatives to "a sure shot"?

Informal alternatives include "slam dunk" or "lead-pipe cinch", which convey a similar meaning of guaranteed success in a more casual manner.

Is "a sure shot" appropriate for academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "a sure shot" might be too informal for some academic contexts. Consider using phrases like "highly probable" or "likely to succeed" for a more professional tone.