surefire

[ shoor-fahyuhr, shur- ]

/ ˈʃʊərˌfaɪər, ˈʃɜr- /

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See synonyms for surefire on Thesaurus.com

adjective

sure to work; foolproof: a surefire moneymaking scheme.

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Origin of surefire

First recorded in 1915–20; sure + fire

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use surefire in a sentence

But what is there more irresponsible than playing with the fire of an imagined civil war in the France of today?
Houellebecq’s Incendiary Novel Imagines France With a Muslim President|Pierre Assouline|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST
“They sure took the Sony thing seriously,” Attkisson said dryly.
Ex-CBS Reporter Sharyl Attkisson’s Battle Royale With the Feds|Lloyd Grove|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST
And it must make sure that the platform of debate where we can freely exchange ideas is safe and sound.
Ayaan Hirsi Ali: Our Duty Is to Keep Charlie Hebdo Alive|Ayaan Hirsi Ali|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Our duty is to make sure that they realize that the Prophet is not avenged.
Ayaan Hirsi Ali: Our Duty Is to Keep Charlie Hebdo Alive|Ayaan Hirsi Ali|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST

I like the idea of Jon Hamm… There have been discussions—though I'm not sure how serious they've been.
‘Archer’ Creator Adam Reed Spills Season 6 Secrets, From Surreal Plotlines to Life Post-ISIS|Marlow Stern|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
When a man converses with himself, he is sure that he does not converse with an enemy.
The Life and Most Surprising Adventures of Robinson Crusoe, of York, Mariner (1801)|Daniel Defoe
I am therefore quite sure I shall be content to await his father's consent, should it not come these many years.
The Pastor's Fire-side Vol. 3 of 4|Jane Porter
"A camp-fire would hardly flash and die out like that, Sarge," he answered thoughtfully.
Raw Gold|Bertrand W. Sinclair
She got up and stood in front of the fire, having her hand on the chimney-piece and looking down at the blaze.
Confidence|Henry James
And sure enough when Sunday came, and the pencil was restored to him, he promptly showed nurse his picture.
Children's Ways|James Sully

British Dictionary definitions for surefire

sure-fire

adjective

(usually prenominal) informal certain to succeed or meet expectations; assured

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

surefire

Origin of surefire

Words related to surefire

How to use surefire in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for surefire