How do you say “A slam dunk” in Spanish?
The closest natural Spanish equivalent is una victoria fácil, which literally means “an easy victory”. English speakers use a slam dunk to mean something expected to succeed easily. A direct match for a competition. For an application or decision, describe the expected success instead. Register: neutral. Usage frequency: common.
Closest natural Spanish
una victoria fácil
/una βikˈtoɾja ˈfasil/
- Literal meaning
- “an easy victory”
- Register
- neutral
- How often it's used
- common
- Equivalence
Close equivalent
85 out of 100
What a native Spanish speaker would actually say
This fits the English sporting use without borrowing the basketball term. It promises an easy win, so it can sound overconfident.
For a grant or approval, “no está asegurado” means it is not guaranteed. That avoids making every decision sound like a sporting contest.
How close is the meaning?
- Meaning4 out of 5
- Tone4 out of 5
- Context4 out of 5
- Literal similarity1 out of 5
These ratings are editorial approximations, not measurements.
What are other ways to say it in Spanish?
no está asegurado
Literally: “it is not assured”
A plain paraphrase for “not a slam dunk” when approval or success is uncertain.
In context
English
With three champions on our team, we thought the final was a slam dunk.
Spanish
Con tres campeones en nuestro equipo, pensábamos que la final sería una victoria fácil.
English
Getting the grant is not a slam dunk; several strong teams have applied.
Spanish
Conseguir la subvención no está asegurado; se han presentado varios equipos fuertes.
Related expressions
- What “A slam dunk” means in English
- A walk in the park, something that is very easy to do
Last updated 2026-10-01