A slam dunk
Meaning
An effortlessly impressive achievement or a task that is certain to succeed.
Origin
“A slam dunk” leaps straight from the basketball court into our everyday language. Originating in the early 20th century, the term perfectly describes a powerful, uncontested shot where a player forcefully thrusts the ball down through the hoop. There's no doubt, no question about its success—it's an emphatic, undeniable score. This visual of absolute certainty and impressive execution quickly transcended the sport, becoming a vivid metaphor for any task or situation that is guaranteed to succeed with ease and flair, a clear win that leaves no room for debate.
Examples
- With her impeccable qualifications and extensive experience, getting that job was a slam dunk.
- The marketing team's new campaign was a slam dunk, easily surpassing all previous sales records.