deliver the goods

Idioms

Do what is required, come up to expectations. For example, Kate delivered the goods and got us the five votes we needed. This phrase alludes to delivering an order of groceries or other items. [Colloquial; second half of 1800s]

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

There’s a lot riding on Nvidia’s earnings and Wall Street seems confident it can deliver the goods.

From Barron's • Feb. 24, 2026

“But you’re out there on your own — you’ve got to deliver the goods yourself.”

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 6, 2024

Replicator’s critics doubt the Pentagon will deliver the goods within a two-year timeline.

From Washington Times • Dec. 18, 2023

Vidoni sent an employee to deliver the goods.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 26, 2023

They will say he’s a pretty boy who can’t deliver the goods.

From "The Mona Lisa Vanishes" by Nicholas Day

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023