done deal

1. An irrevocable agreement, as in Once you've signed the lease, it's a done deal. This slangy expression, first recorded in 1979, may have come from done thing, originating in the late 1600s.

Example Sentences

Economists are split on whether it will move then or during the first month of 2026, but most think a rate hike is more or less a done deal.

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The Western Gateway Pipeline is far from a done deal.

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Traders’ bets have reflected elevated uncertainty about the Dec. 9 decision for weeks, since Powell told reporters after the October meeting that a further rate cut was “far from” a done deal.

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Powell signaled after the October meeting that another cut wasn’t a done deal.

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His comeback is also remarkable - not that long ago, when you did your Achilles, that was a done deal.

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