done deal: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘done deal’ mean?
The meaning of the idiom done deal is that something is certain or completed with no further uncertainty or negotiation. It is often used to indicate a situation or agreement that is considered final or fully resolved.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "leave it at that" means to stop or conclude a discussion or action at a certain point and not continue any further.
The idiom "in the can" means something that is completed or finished.
The idiom "have done with" means to finish or complete something and have no further involvement or connection with it.
The idiom "great deal" means a large amount or quantity of something. It is used to indicate that there is a significant or considerable extent or degree of something.
The idiom "go through with" means to complete or follow through with a plan, action, or commitment despite difficulties or hesitations.
The idiom "game, set, match" refers to a decisive victory or conclusion, often used in sports or competitive situations.
The idiom "for good and all" means to do something once and for all, or to fully complete or resolve a situation. It implies a final and decisive action, leaving no room for further discussion or uncertainty.
The idiom "for good" means permanently or forever. It is used to indicate that something has come to an end and will not be repeated or resumed in the future.
Untangling the Implications
Another related idiom is "done and dusted." This phrase is often used to emphasize that a task or job has been completed successfully and there is no unfinished business. It adds an extra layer of finality to the idea expressed by "done deal." For example, someone might say "we've finished the project, it's done and dusted" to highlight that all the necessary steps have been taken and there is no need to revisit or rework the project.
The phrase "done and dusted" is similar to "done deal" in that it conveys a sense of finality and certainty. Both idioms share the idea that a situation or agreement is concluded and there is no further discussion or negotiation needed.
"Have done with" is another idiomatic expression similar to "done deal." It is used to indicate that someone wants to end a relationship, situation, or task. When someone says "I have done with that job," they are expressing their desire to finish the task and move on to something else. This idiom adds a note of determination and resolve to the idea of finality expressed by "done deal."
The phrase "have done with" can also be used in a negative sense, expressing frustration or annoyance with a particular situation or person. For example, someone might say "I have done with their constant complaining" to indicate that they no longer wish to be involved in the person's grievances.
A related idiom that shares some similarities with "done deal" is "cut a deal." This phrase is often used to describe the act of negotiating and reaching an agreement. When someone says "they cut a deal," they are indicating that parties involved in a negotiation have successfully come to an agreement and resolved the matter. "Cut a deal" adds a sense of active participation and effort to the idea of finalizing an agreement, as opposed to the more passive connotation of "done deal."
Similar to "done deal," "cut a deal" is often used in business and legal contexts to describe negotiations and agreements. It highlights the process of reaching an agreement rather than just the end result.
Lastly, the idiom "all set" is another expression that conveys finality and certainty. This phrase is often used to indicate that everything necessary has been completed or arranged and there is no further action needed. When someone says "we're all set," they are signaling that all the preparations have been made and there is nothing else to be done.
"All set" shares a similar sense of finality and non-negotiability with "done deal." Both idioms communicate that a situation or task has been concluded and there is no need for further discussion, negotiation, or action.
Conclusion
The idioms "done and dusted," "have done with," "cut a deal," and "all set" all share a common theme of finality and certainty. They each add their own nuances and shades of meaning to the basic concept of a "done deal." Whether emphasizing the successful completion of a task, expressing determination to move on, highlighting the process of negotiation, or indicating that all preparations have been made, these idioms contribute to the rich tapestry of American English expressions. Understanding and using these idioms can add depth and vibrancy to communication, allowing individuals to convey their thoughts and feelings in a concise and engaging manner.
Example usage
- "I just made an offer on the car, and the seller accepted it immediately. It's a done deal!"
- "The team worked hard and won the game by a large margin. It was a done deal from the start."
- "After weeks of negotiations, the company finally signed the contract. It's a done deal now."
More "Agreement" idioms
