Idioms are phrases that have a meaning different from the individual words they contain. They are a fun way to express thoughts and ideas in a more colorful and interesting manner. Idioms about certainty show how sure we are about something, whether it’s a promise, a belief, or a prediction. These phrases help people communicate confidence in what they know or expect.
In this article, we’ll explore idioms that convey certainty. You’ll learn what they mean, how to use them, and why they make our speech more lively. Understanding these idioms can help you sound more natural and confident when you speak or write. Let’s dive into some of the most common idioms used to show certainty.
Idioms About Certainty
1. Sure as eggs is eggs
Meaning: Very certain; without a doubt.
Example Sentence:
- “I’m sure as eggs is eggs that we’ll finish the project on time.”
- “Sure as eggs is eggs, she will be at the meeting tomorrow.”
Other ways to say: “No doubt about it,” “Without a doubt”
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom comes from the idea that eggs are a guaranteed thing, like the certainty of something happening.
Usage: Used when you are absolutely sure about something.
2. Without a shadow of a doubt
Meaning: Completely certain.
Example Sentence:
- “She knew without a shadow of a doubt that she would win the race.”
- “He answered the question without a shadow of a doubt.”
Other ways to say: “Beyond any doubt,” “Absolutely sure”
Fun Fact/Origin: The phrase comes from the idea that if there’s no shadow, there’s no uncertainty.
Usage: Used to express total certainty.
3. A sure thing
Meaning: Something that is guaranteed to happen.
Example Sentence:
- “The team winning the game is a sure thing.”
- “This concert is a sure thing; all the tickets sold out quickly.”
Other ways to say: “Guaranteed,” “A done deal”
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase comes from gambling, where a “sure thing” was a bet that would certainly win.
Usage: Used when something is very likely to happen.
4. A dead certainty
Meaning: Something that is definitely going to happen.
Example Sentence:
- “The sun will rise tomorrow; it’s a dead certainty.”
- “Her success in the competition was a dead certainty.”
Other ways to say: “No question,” “Absolutely certain”
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom uses “dead” to emphasize how sure something is.
Usage: Used when you are completely sure of something.
5. As certain as death and taxes
Meaning: Guaranteed to happen; inevitable.
Example Sentence:
- “One thing you can count on is that taxes are as certain as death and taxes.”
- “As certain as death and taxes, she will always be there to help.”
Other ways to say: “Guaranteed,” “Inevitable”
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase has been around for a long time, often used to express the idea that some things in life are unavoidable.
Usage: Used for things that will definitely happen.
6. Clear as day
Meaning: Very easy to understand or very obvious.
Example Sentence:
- “His explanation was clear as day; I understood everything.”
- “It was as clear as day that she was the best candidate.”
Other ways to say: “Crystal clear,” “Plain as day”
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom refers to the clarity of daylight, which makes everything easy to see.
Usage: Used when something is very obvious or easy to understand.
7. Without fail
Meaning: Something that always happens or is guaranteed.
Example Sentence:
- “She arrives at work without fail every day at 8 AM.”
- “I visit my grandmother every Sunday without fail.”
Other ways to say: “Every time,” “Without exception”
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom refers to something that happens without any error or failure.
Usage: Used when you want to say something will always happen.
8. In the bag
Meaning: Certain to succeed or happen.
Example Sentence:
- “The championship is in the bag for our team.”
- “The job interview went so well, I think the job is in the bag.”
Other ways to say: “Guaranteed,” “Already done”
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase may have come from the idea of putting something safely in a bag, ensuring it’s secure.
Usage: Used when success or a result is very likely.
9. A lock
Meaning: Something that is certain to happen or be achieved.
Example Sentence:
- “The win is a lock for them in this final match.”
- “He has the promotion in the bag, it’s a lock.”
Other ways to say: “Guaranteed,” “For sure”
Fun Fact/Origin: The idea is that something locked is secure and cannot fail.
Usage: Used when something is certain.
10. As good as done
Meaning: Very nearly finished or certain to happen.
Example Sentence:
- “The project is as good as done; we just need to wrap up the final details.”
- “Her acceptance into the program is as good as done.”
Other ways to say: “Almost done,” “Almost certain”
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase is often used when something is so close to completion that there’s no doubt it will be finished.
Usage: Used to describe something that is almost complete or certain to happen.
11. The writing is on the wall
Meaning: The signs are clear that something will happen, usually something bad.
Example Sentence:
- “When the company started losing money, the writing was on the wall.”
- “He didn’t study for the test, and the writing was on the wall for his grade.”
Other ways to say: “The signs are clear,” “It’s obvious”
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom comes from the Bible, where there was writing on the wall predicting a king’s downfall.
Usage: Used when the future outcome is clear.
12. Set in stone
Meaning: Fixed and unchangeable.
Example Sentence:
- “The schedule is set in stone; we can’t change it now.”
- “The rules are set in stone, so there’s no arguing.”
Other ways to say: “Unchangeable,” “Fixed”
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom comes from ancient times when important decisions were carved into stone tablets, meaning they were permanent.
Usage: Used when something is permanent or cannot be changed.
13. On the dot
Meaning: Exactly at the right time.
Example Sentence:
- “She arrived at the meeting on the dot.”
- “The train left on the dot at 9 AM.”
Other ways to say: “Right on time,” “Precisely”
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom likely refers to the dot on a clock indicating the exact time.
Usage: Used when something happens exactly at the scheduled time.
14. A foregone conclusion
Meaning: A result that is certain to happen.
Example Sentence:
- “It was a foregone conclusion that the team would win the championship.”
- “The election was a foregone conclusion after the first debate.”
Other ways to say: “Inevitable,” “Certain”
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom comes from the idea that the outcome is already decided before it happens.
Usage: Used when the result is already clear.
15. No ifs, ands, or buts
Meaning: No excuses; no exceptions.
Example Sentence:
- “You need to be here by 5 PM, no ifs, ands, or buts.”
- “No ifs, ands, or buts—you’re coming with us to the party.”
Other ways to say: “No excuses,” “No doubt about it”
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom emphasizes that there will be no argument or hesitation.
Usage: Used when something must happen without exception.
16. As sure as shooting
Meaning: Very certain or guaranteed.
Example Sentence:
- “He’ll be at the game, as sure as shooting.”
- “As sure as shooting, we’ll win the contest.”
Other ways to say: “Without a doubt,” “For sure”
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom comes from the Old West, where shooting was a common and reliable activity.
Usage: Used to express confidence about something happening.
17. You can bet your bottom dollar
Meaning: You can be absolutely sure about something.
Example Sentence:
- “You can bet your bottom dollar that she’ll win the race.”
- “He’ll be at the party, you can bet your bottom dollar.”
Other ways to say: “Guaranteed,” “For sure”
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom refers to betting money, implying you’re so sure you’d bet everything.
Usage: Used when you are very confident something will happen.
18. In the bag
Meaning: Certain to succeed or happen.
Example Sentence:
- “The contract is in the bag; we just need to sign it.”
- “Winning the contest was in the bag after she gave her speech.”
Other ways to say: “A sure thing,” “Guaranteed”
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase comes from the idea of securing something in a bag, keeping it safe and certain.
Usage: Used when success is very likely.
19. A slam dunk
Meaning: Something that is certain or guaranteed to succeed.
Example Sentence:
- “That project is a slam dunk; the client loves the idea.”
- “Winning the game was a slam dunk for the home team.”
Other ways to say: “Guaranteed,” “For sure”
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom comes from basketball, where a slam dunk is a certain way to score.
Usage: Used when something is guaranteed to succeed.
20. A no-brainer
Meaning: Something that is easy or obvious.
Example Sentence:
- “Choosing the best team member was a no-brainer.”
- “The answer to the question was a no-brainer.”
Other ways to say: “Obvious,” “Easy decision”
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom implies that the decision is so easy, it doesn’t require much thought.
Usage: Used for things that are easy to decide or understand.
21. A dead cert
Meaning: Something that is very likely to happen.
Example Sentence:
- “Her promotion is a dead cert; she’s been working hard all year.”
- “The movie is a dead cert to win awards.”
Other ways to say: “A sure thing,” “Certain”
Fun Fact/Origin: “Dead cert” comes from the word “certainty,” often used in gambling, meaning a guaranteed bet.
Usage: Used to express complete certainty.
22. As sure as the sun rises
Meaning: Very certain to happen.
Example Sentence:
- “He’ll be there on time, as sure as the sun rises.”
- “As sure as the sun rises, we will finish this project today.”
Other ways to say: “Guaranteed,” “Without a doubt”
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom emphasizes the predictable and certain nature of the sunrise.
Usage: Used to indicate something that will definitely happen.
23. Set in stone
Meaning: Something that is fixed and unchangeable.
Example Sentence:
- “The schedule is set in stone, so we can’t change it now.”
- “The plans are set in stone for the wedding day.”
Other ways to say: “Fixed,” “Unchangeable”
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom comes from ancient times when laws and important decisions were carved in stone, making them permanent.
Usage: Used to describe something that cannot be changed.
24. It’s in the cards
Meaning: It’s likely to happen or certain to happen.
Example Sentence:
- “It’s in the cards that we’ll get a snowstorm this winter.”
- “Getting the job offer is in the cards for her.”
Other ways to say: “Likely to happen,” “For sure”
Fun Fact/Origin: The phrase comes from fortune-telling with tarot cards, where the future is predicted.
Usage: Used when something is expected to happen.
25. A foregone conclusion
Meaning: A result that is already certain or decided.
Example Sentence:
- “The match was a foregone conclusion after the first half.”
- “The election seemed like a foregone conclusion due to the candidate’s popularity.”
Other ways to say: “Inevitable,” “Already decided”
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom originates from the idea that the conclusion of something is already known in advance.
Usage: Used when an outcome is already expected.
26. As good as gold
Meaning: Very reliable or certain.
Example Sentence:
- “He’s as good as gold when it comes to getting his work done.”
- “Her promises are always as good as gold.”
Other ways to say: “Dependable,” “Reliable”
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom compares someone to gold because gold has always been valuable and trustworthy.
Usage: Used to describe something or someone very dependable.
27. Cut and dried
Meaning: Something that is clear and already decided.
Example Sentence:
- “The decision was cut and dried; there was no need for more discussion.”
- “The case was cut and dried, and the judge ruled quickly.”
Other ways to say: “Clear-cut,” “Finalized”
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom may refer to dried herbs or flowers, which are ready to be used once they’ve been prepared.
Usage: Used when something is definite and settled.
28. On the money
Meaning: Exactly correct or accurate.
Example Sentence:
- “His answer to the problem was on the money.”
- “The budget estimate was right on the money.”
Other ways to say: “Spot on,” “Correct”
Fun Fact/Origin: The phrase likely comes from betting or gambling, where hitting the right number or result is called “on the money.”
Usage: Used when something is precisely correct.
29. As plain as day
Meaning: Very obvious and easy to understand.
Example Sentence:
- “The answer was as plain as day to me.”
- “His mistake was as plain as day.”
Other ways to say: “Obvious,” “Clear as day”
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom uses the simplicity of daylight to emphasize clarity.
Usage: Used when something is very clear or easy to understand.
30. In black and white
Meaning: Clearly written or stated, without any confusion.
Example Sentence:
- “The rules are in black and white, so there’s no arguing.”
- “Her decision was in black and white on the form.”
Other ways to say: “Written down,” “Clear”
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom comes from the practice of writing things down in clear, legible print (black ink on white paper).
Usage: Used when something is clearly written or very clear.
31. Standing tall
Meaning: Confident and certain about something.
Example Sentence:
- “She was standing tall after presenting her idea.”
- “He was standing tall when he made his announcement.”
Other ways to say: “Confident,” “Proud”
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom is often used to describe someone who is strong and certain, both physically and mentally.
Usage: Used when someone is sure of themselves and their decisions.
32. Solid as a rock
Meaning: Very reliable and certain.
Example Sentence:
- “His advice is always solid as a rock.”
- “The foundation of the house is solid as a rock.”
Other ways to say: “Reliable,” “Steady”
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom compares someone or something to a rock, which is known for being strong and unmovable.
Usage: Used when something is dependable or secure.
33. Dead sure
Meaning: Completely certain.
Example Sentence:
- “I’m dead sure we’re going to win the competition.”
- “She was dead sure she locked the door before leaving.”
Other ways to say: “Absolutely sure,” “Certain”
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom uses “dead” to stress how completely certain you are about something.
Usage: Used when you are completely sure about something.
Quiz: Idioms About Certainty
Instructions: Read each question and the answer choices carefully. Pick the letter that best matches the meaning of the phrase or expression.
Question Key
1. What does the idiom “Sure as eggs is eggs” mean?
A) Something that is impossible to do.
B) Something that is very certain to happen.
C) Something that is always a surprise.
2. If you say something is “a slam dunk,” what do you mean?
A) It’s an easy win or something that is certain to happen.
B) It’s a risky situation.
C) It’s something that will never happen.
3. What does “without a shadow of a doubt” mean?
A) You are uncertain about something.
B) You are completely sure about something.
C) You are only partially sure.
4. If someone says “the writing is on the wall,” what do they mean?
A) Everything is going as planned.
B) There are clear signs that something is going to happen.
C) The problem is solved.
5. “As good as gold” is used to describe:
A) Someone who is unreliable.
B) Someone or something that is dependable and certain.
C) Someone who is constantly changing.
6. What does “a foregone conclusion” mean?
A) A result that is already decided and certain to happen.
B) A conclusion that no one agrees with.
C) A surprising result.
7. If someone says “set in stone,” they mean:
A) Something is temporary and can change.
B) Something is fixed and cannot be changed.
C) Something is very difficult to understand.
8. “In the bag” means:
A) Something is certain to happen.
B) Something is impossible to do.
C) Something will happen in the future but not right now.
9. If you say “as plain as day,” you mean:
A) Something is very obvious and easy to understand.
B) Something is hard to explain.
C) Something is uncertain and confusing.
10. What does “no ifs, ands, or buts” mean?
A) There are many reasons to doubt.
B) There are no excuses or exceptions.
C) Something can still change.
Answer Key
- B) Something that is very certain to happen.
- A) It’s an easy win or something that is certain to happen.
- B) You are completely sure about something.
- B) There are clear signs that something is going to happen.
- B) Someone or something that is dependable and certain.
- A) A result that is already decided and certain to happen.
- B) Something is fixed and cannot be changed.
- A) Something is certain to happen.
- A) Something is very obvious and easy to understand.
- B) There are no excuses or exceptions.
Wrapping Up
We’ve learned a lot about idioms that show certainty. These phrases help make our language clearer and more fun. By using idioms like “dead sure” or “set in stone,” we can express our confidence and show that we’re certain about something.
Now that you know these idioms, you can use them in your daily conversations. Whether you’re talking to friends, family, or teachers, these idioms will help you sound more confident and sure of yourself. Keep practicing, and you’ll be using these idioms like a pro!
