adj
Meaning 1
Totally certain.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: not-comparable
Qualifier: simile
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
Phrase guide
sure as death and taxes
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
Pronunciation
Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.
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US: /ʃʊɹ æz dɛθ ænd tæksəz/
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sho͝or ăz dĕth ănd tăksəz
adv
Meaning 2
Most certainly.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: not-comparable
Qualifier: simile
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: sure as eggs is eggs
Antonyms: none provided
History
Etymology
Primarily a reference to a 1789 quote by Benjamin Franklin: Our new Constitution is now established, and has an appearance that promises permanency; but in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes. Benjamin Franklin First attested in 1726, but in common usage only as of the 19th century.