TO BE SURE

{adv. phr.} Without a doubt; certainly; surely. * /"Didn't you say Mr. Smith would take us home?" "Oh, yes. To be sure, I did."/ - Often used before a clause beginning with "but". * /He works slowly, to be sure, but he does a good job./ * /To be sure, Jim is a fast skater, but he is not good at doing figures./ Syn.: OF COURSE.