make sure
Idioms-
Make certain, establish something without doubt, as in Make sure all the doors are locked . It is also put as make sure of , as in Before you make that speech, make sure of your facts . This usage was first recorded in 1565.
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make sure of . Act so as to be certain of something, as in He wanted to make sure of his own district before seeking support elsewhere . This usage was first recorded in 1673.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“It gives back to our neighbors and helps make sure the grid is sustainable,” said John, 52, who works in the lawn care business launched by his parents.
From Los Angeles Times • May 14, 2026
Regardless of an investor’s near-term view, now would be a good time for investors to take a beat and make sure they really understand what is “under the hood” in their portfolios, Sohn said.
From MarketWatch • May 13, 2026
A tarpaulin covered the court to make sure people couldn’t observe his lengthy matches.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 13, 2026
“I think it’s a deliberate effort to make sure we don’t hear from people in ICE custody,” he said.
From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2026
“I’ll make sure there will be nothing owing on the package.”
From "Nory Ryan’s Song" by Patricia Reilly Giff
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
