General
slam dunk
What does slam dunk mean?
In basketball, forcing the ball down through the hoop; used in sport-speak for something certain or emphatic.
"With three men over, that chance was a slam dunk."
Origin
American basketball; also a common idiom for a guaranteed success.
Frequently asked questions
What is a slam dunk in basketball?
It's when a player jumps and forcibly pushes the ball down through the hoop with one or both hands.
What does 'slam dunk' mean figuratively?
Outside basketball it means a sure thing — an outcome or opportunity so certain it can't fail.
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