In the American liberal tradition, this means almost certain defeat.

Three times he topped 150, and the 163* at Lord's turned a certain defeat into a near victory.

He admired men with such discipline in the face of certain defeat.

Without the provision, the bill would face certain defeat in the Senate.

Earlier in the season that would have spelled almost certain defeat.

"I don't believe we should bring a bill up if it faces certain defeat," he said.

On 7 March, he led his company in an attack and turned what seemed to be certain defeat into a victory.

Now I faced a much smaller problem, but more personal, and challenging to the point of almost certain defeat.

The move came when the proposal appeared to be facing certain defeat.

Without him on the field the position was the same as the captain - certain defeat.