sure enough: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘sure enough’ mean?
The idiom "sure enough" means that something expected or predicted actually happened or turned out to be true. It is used to confirm or validate a previous statement or belief.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "to be sure" means to have complete certainty or confidence in something or someone.
To be sure, the idiom "to be sure" is a common phrase used in the English language to express certainty or confidence. It has been in use for centuries and is well understood by native English speakers.
The idiom "take someone's word for it" means to believe or trust what someone says without requiring further proof or evidence.
The idiom "take someone's word for it" is commonly used in English to mean believing what someone says without questioning or doubting it.
The idiom "swear by" means to have complete faith or confidence in something or someone. It implies a strong belief or trust, often based on personal experience or considered as reliable and effective.
The idiom "surf's up" means that the waves for surfing are good or that it is a good time to go surfing.
The idiom "suck it" is a slang expression used to dismiss or insult someone, often in a rude and aggressive manner.
Suck it is an idiom that is commonly used in everyday American English. It is a slang phrase that originated in the late 20th century and has since become a part of popular culture. The meaning of this idiom is simple and carries a strong sense of defiance, dismissal, or triumph.
The idiom "strike it lucky" means to suddenly have unexpected success or good fortune.
The idiom "straight away" means to do something immediately or without delay.
The idiom "steady-as-she-goes" means to maintain a stable or consistent course of action, without any sudden changes or deviations.
The idiom "stand to reason" means that something is logical or reasonable based on the information or facts available.
The idiom "stand corrected" means to admit that you are wrong or to accept someone's correction of your mistake.
The idiom "stand corrected" is a commonly used phrase in the English language. It indicates admitting an error or mistake and accepting the correct information or perspective provided by someone else. This phrase is used when someone's knowledge on a subject has been proven inaccurate or incorrect.
Decoding "Sure Enough"
The idiom "sure enough" is commonly used in the English language to confirm or affirm a previous statement or prediction. It often indicates that something expected or anticipated has actually happened.
One interesting fact about this idiom is that it is considered informal and is primarily used in spoken language rather than formal writing. Native English speakers, especially those in the United States, commonly use this idiom in everyday conversation.
Another way to use this idiom is to emphasize the accuracy or correctness of a previous statement. It is a way to validate or confirm that something expected or predicted has indeed occurred. The use of "sure enough" expresses a sense of certainty and confidence in the outcome.
When we break down the literal meaning of the idiom, we can see that the word "sure" refers to certainty or confidence. The word "enough" strengthens this certainty, suggesting that the expected outcome has met or exceeded expectations. Together, the idiom "sure enough" conveys a sense of confirmation and validation.
The etymology of this idiom is not easily traceable. It does not have a clear historical lineage or documented origin. However, idioms in general often develop organically through common usage and are not necessarily associated with specific historical events or individuals.
One related idiom is "I'm sure." It is used when expressing confidence or certainty about something. For example, one might say, "I'm sure she'll do a great job on the presentation."
"to be sure" is another related idiom. It is used to express agreement or confirmation. For instance, one might say, "To be sure, I will attend the meeting."
"take someone's word for it" is also related to the idiom "sure enough." It means to believe or trust what someone says without further investigation or proof. An example sentence would be, "I'll take her word for it that the project is on track."
Lastly, the phrase "so there" is also related to the idiom. It is used to emphasize a final point or conclusion. For example, someone might say, "I told you he would win, so there!"
The idiom "sure enough" continues to be a commonly used phrase that confirms or affirms a previous statement or prediction. It is informal in nature and primarily used in spoken language. The idiom emphasizes the accuracy and certainty of the expected outcome. Its etymology remains unclear, as idioms often develop naturally over time. Nevertheless, "sure enough" remains a popular idiom in the English language, providing closure while leaving room for further exploration of its subtle nuances and usage.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "sure enough" can be used in a sentence are:
- "I had a feeling it would rain today, and sure enough, it started pouring."
- "My mom told me to be careful with the glass, and sure enough, I dropped it and it broke."
- "I had a suspicion he was lying, and sure enough, when I checked his story, it was completely false."