make sure

1. To check something in order to confirm that it is true, correct, or set to occur. I just want to make sure that our meeting is still on tomorrow. Did you make sure the lights were off before you left? I always get to the airport two hours early to make sure of being on time for my flight.

2. To be careful not to forget to do something; to ensure that something is done. Often said as a command or instruction. Make sure to pick up a shovel before this weekend's snow storm. I'll make sure I ask him about it tomorrow.

See also: make, sure

make sure (of something)

to check something and be certain about it. Please make sure of your facts before you write the report. We made sure of the route we had to follow before we left. Please double-check and make sure.

See also: make, sure

make sure

1. Make certain, establish something without doubt, as in Make sure all the doors are locked. It is also put as make sure of, as in Before you make that speech, make sure of your facts. This usage was first recorded in 1565.

2. make sure of. Act so as to be certain of something, as in He wanted to make sure of his own district before seeking support elsewhere. This usage was first recorded in 1673.

See also: make, sure

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

make ˈsure (of something/that...)

1 check that something is true or has been done: I think the door’s locked, but I’d better go and make sure. ♢ Have you made sure that we’ve got enough money?
2 do something in order to be certain that something else happens: I want to make sure that the party is a success. ♢ Make sure there’s enough to eat tonight.

See also: make, sure

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

make sure

To establish something without doubt; make certain: Make sure he writes it down.

See also: make, sure

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

See also:

References in periodicals archive

You have to make sure they understand the importance of what they do.

Timing the kicking game

* Make sure the vendor carries an adequate amount of professional and cyber-liability insurance.

Risk managers' role grows along with theft threats

* Make sure local managers of overseas locations are informed of developments unfolding elsewhere.

Danger abroad. (Global)

Make sure that your life's legacy is to create as much value for the next generation as you did for yourself.

Developing your life plan: making sure financial documents are available during a family crisis can save you time, money, and pain. (Estate Planning)

She said: "I always make sure they have a seat belt on and I always have a child seat in the car for the youngest one.

Mums and dads back seat-belt crackdown; ROAD SAFETY: Drivers face fines if children don't belt up correctly

"You are talking about trying to make sure that teams like Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool did not enjoy enough of the ball, to get their game going.

Football: Strach's secret to success

They're wrong - and I'm going to make sure they know it.

Charles Clarke: Some will criticise me for wanting offenders to face publicity. My answer is: Don't offend and you won't be in the papers

(This even goes all the way to having vehicles designed for production, and Stevens says that there are product engineers on-site in the plants who are involved in helping make sure that things are improved:

Simplicity works at Oshawa. (Manage)

A growing number of companies are establishing an executive-board-level position for CRM, someone whose job it is to lobby for the customer and make sure customer needs and desires remain paramount across the organization.

The customer connection: armed with the knowledge that customers hold the key to their companies' success. CEOs are embracing customer relationship management as a valuable consumer science. (Innovation & the Customer)

He adds that when his company is seeking out scrap handling equipment they look very closely at the warranty and preventive maintenance recommendations to make sure the equipment will run for an extended period of time.

Front and center: putting maintenance issues first benefits recyclers and equipment makers. (Scrap Handling Equipment Focus)

We align in a defensive front with six to seven players and use the four to five secondary players to spread out over the field, three deep and one to two short, to make sure the fair catch is made.

Script your pre-game workout

It's prompted police to remind motorists to make sure they lock their vehicles when they leave them unattended.

Warning after thieves break into five cars

Dealing with anti-social behaviour is one of my top priorities and I'm determined to make sure it is tackled.

Bonfire night calls to police reduced

However, making sure your spouse or children have the money to pay the mortgage o (and thus live the life they are accustomed to) and also have enough money for school fees, university, deposit on their rst home, purchase their rst car etc, will make sure that the loss is softened by the fact your family's aspirations and dreams continue.

Protecting your family's dreams

However, making sure your spouse or children have the money to pay the mortgage off (and thus live the life they are accustomed to) and also have enough money for school fees, university, deposit on their first home, purchase their first car etc will make sure that the loss is softened by the fact your family's aspirations and dreams continue!!

PROTECTING YOUR FAMILY'S DREAMS