Slam dunk

Meaning

The idiom "slam dunk" means to do something with great success or ease, often by taking advantage of a weakness or vulnerability. It can also mean making a decisive and powerful impact.

Usage

• The team's performance was lackluster until their star player made a slam dunk to win the game.
• She was able to close the deal with ease, giving her company a significant advantage in the market.
• He had been struggling with his anxiety for years, but after attending therapy, he felt like he could finally slam dunk it.
• The new CEO's leadership brought about a complete turnaround in the company's financial performance, making them a formidable force in their industry.
• He was confident in his abilities and went for the slam dunk, sinking the shot and securing his victory.

Roots and History

The idiom "slam dunk" originated from basketball, where players would score points by jumping high and throwing the ball into the hoop with great force. The first known use of this phrase in print was in the 1950s, but it became popular in the 1980s when basketball gained widespread popularity. Over time, the idiom has been used to describe any successful or decisive action, not just in sports.

Synonyms in English

• "Slam dunk" is synonymous with "nail it", "score a home run", and "close the deal".

Synonyms in other languages

• In Spanish, "dar un golpe" means to deliver a powerful blow or impact.
• In French, "faire un coup de marteau" means to strike a decisive blow or have a significant impact.
• In Italian, "fare un colpo" means to make a decisive impact or succeed in something with ease.
• In German, "die Spitze treffen" means to hit the nail on the head or achieve a successful outcome.
• In Japanese, "擊きつける" means to deliver a decisive blow or have a significant impact.

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