cut a deal

Idioms  

1. Offer or arrange an agreement or compromise, as in The administration is hoping to cut a deal with Japan. This expression uses deal in the sense of “business transaction.” [Colloquial; 1970s]

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Example Sentences

U.S. officials have said Iran must end enrichment and curtail its missile program, while Trump has said he would like to cut a deal to prevent Iran getting a nuclear weapon.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 10, 2026

A number of analysts boosted their stock price targets after the company said Monday it had cut a deal with the federal goverbment.

From Barron's • Jan. 27, 2026

All three were released in 2021 after Meng cut a deal with US prosecutors.

From BBC • Jan. 13, 2026

For example, it cut a deal to manage and brand a $500 million golf and resort project in Oman.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 17, 2025

Ho’s forces were winning—why should he cut a deal?

From "Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War" by Steve Sheinkin