cut a deal

Idioms and Phrases

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]

Example Sentences

If the thoroughly-declawed French president really wants to hang around for another two years with a semblance of functional government, he either has to cut a deal with the NFP or with the not-quite-fascist Le Pen, who fully expects to replace him in 2027.

From Salon

Mr. Trump has not offered details about what kind of peace agreement he envisions, though Ukrainian officials fear that he might slash aid to Ukraine and seek to cut a deal unfavorable to Kyiv with President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia.

From New York Times

In 2017, Mr. Perez was in trouble again and spent two mornings at the U.S. attorney’s office in Santa Ana, Calif., trying to cut a deal.

From New York Times

Trump promised to push Zelensky to cut a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin, one that may involve a loss of territory.

From BBC

Perhaps nothing, however, says historical ignorance so much as Trump’s recent comment on Fox News — not his first such remark — that Abraham Lincoln should have cut a deal with the South to prevent the Civil War.

From Los Angeles Times