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

See Examples For:

done deal

Croce said it was a done deal, warned her to stop questioning him and later told the nominating committee she was insubordinate.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 28, 2026

Many described during the public comment period shock and dismay at city leaders considering taking back wage increases that were already a done deal.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 13, 2026

In other words, it was a done deal.

From BBC ● Apr. 20, 2026

"American cooperation on intelligence support is almost a done deal," the Malian said on condition of anonymity.

From Barron's ● Apr. 8, 2026

In Scott’s mind it was a done deal.

From "Into Thin Air" by Jon Krakauer