Certainty is a state of being confident and assured about something. Idioms that describe certainty are useful in everyday language to convey conviction and confidence. Here are 20 idioms that illustrate the concept of certainty, each with a brief meaning and a concise example sentence.
1. In No Uncertain Terms
Meaning: Clearly and directly
Example: He stated in no uncertain terms that he was quitting.
2. As Sure As Eggs Is Eggs
Meaning: Absolutely certain
Example: She’ll be there, as sure as eggs is eggs.
3. Beyond a Shadow of a Doubt
Meaning: Without any doubt
Example: He is guilty beyond a shadow of a doubt.
4. Without a Doubt
Meaning: Definitely
Example: She is without a doubt the best candidate.
5. For Sure
Meaning: Definitely
Example: I will call you tomorrow for sure.
6. No Ifs, Ands, or Buts
Meaning: No exceptions or excuses
Example: You must finish your homework, no ifs, ands, or buts.
7. Written in Stone
Meaning: Permanent and unchangeable
Example: The schedule is written in stone.
8. As Sure as Death and Taxes
Meaning: Inevitable
Example: Problems are as sure as death and taxes.
9. Cast in Stone
Meaning: Fixed and unchangeable
Example: The decision is cast in stone.
10. Mark My Words
Meaning: Pay attention to what I say
Example: Mark my words; he’ll succeed.
11. You Can Bet Your Bottom Dollar
Meaning: Very certain
Example: You can bet your bottom dollar it will rain.
12. No Two Ways About It
Meaning: Only one possibility
Example: There’s no two ways about it; he’s leaving.
13. In Black and White
Meaning: Written clearly
Example: The rules are in black and white.
14. Clear as Day
Meaning: Very clear
Example: It’s clear as day that they won.
15. Dead Cert
Meaning: Absolutely certain
Example: He’s a dead cert to win the race.
16. No Doubt About It
Meaning: Certain
Example: There’s no doubt about it, she’s the best.
17. Take It to the Bank
Meaning: Absolutely true
Example: You can take it to the bank, he’ll help.
18. When Pigs Fly
Meaning: Never
Example: He’ll apologize when pigs fly.
19. For All the World
Meaning: Absolutely
Example: She loves him for all the world.
20. It’s a Given
Meaning: Expected
Example: It’s a given that he’ll be late.
