25 Across

NYT Daily ? September 7, 2025

Sure things

Answer:

SLAM DUNKS

Hint:

Think of high-percentage basketball plays that are almost guaranteed to score—these two words describe a move so dominant it feels unstoppable.

Explanation:

Sure things" hints at outcomes that are practically guaranteed, which in basketball is called a "slam dunk"—a shot so close and powerful it’s almost impossible to miss. The answer plays on the phrase’s double meaning: literally a basketball move, but also slang for something certain to succeed. The plural "dunks" fits the clue’s need for a multi-word answer. It’s a sports term turned everyday idiom, making it a clever fit.

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General solving tip

Match the clue's grammar: plural with plural, past with past. If the clue ends in 's' or uses a past-tense verb, mirror that form in the entry.

More tips → General Hints