done deal

Idioms  

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.

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Example Sentences

Nine points clear with six games to play - you would have thought it was practically a done deal for Arsenal, despite the defeat by Bournemouth.

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026

But the project, estimated to cost between $11 billion and $15 billion, is far from a done deal.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 24, 2026

The Warner Bros. sale is not a done deal, however, as rival Paramount Skydance Corp.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 2, 2026

Many expect another 25 basis-point rate cut, taking Mexico’s key rate to 7.0%, although this isn’t a done deal as recent data showed inflation accelerated more than expected to 3.8% in November.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 12, 2025

“I mean, it’s a done deal, right? It’s not like I could get her back if I wanted to.”

From "Far from the Tree" by Robin Benway