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seal the deal

American  
[seel thuh deel] / ˈsil ðə ˈdil /
Also close the deal

idiom

  1. to complete or successfully negotiate an agreement.

    If our top executive can't seal the deal, no one can.

  2. to secure or ensure a successful conclusion: A last-minute goal sealed the deal for Baltimore.

    He had aced both interviews, and if the director liked him that would seal the deal.

    A last-minute goal sealed the deal for Baltimore.


Etymology

Origin of seal the deal

First recorded in 1950–55

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.

Inter didn't roll over, with Federico Dimarco and substitute Pio Esposito both going close with angled drives, but Gyokeres struck on the break to seal the deal and allow fans to look ahead to United.

From Barron's • Jan. 20, 2026

Donna Langley, chairman of NBCUniversal Entertainment, who was heavily involved in wooing Sheridan to Universal over the past two months, made a pilgrimage to his ranch to help seal the deal.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 28, 2025

“I just wonder if going through this is just going to seal the deal on killing small family farms.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2025

Therefore, it felt imperative that Raducanu opened the tie with a win and gave an opportunity to Boulter to seal the deal against 31st-ranked Fernandez.

From BBC • Nov. 17, 2024

No nose-kiss to seal the deal, but I knew it was decided.

From Each Little Bird That Sings by Deborah Wiles

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