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

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

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

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

It wasn't long ago that the Netflix takeover of Warner Bros looked a done deal, bar regulatory approval, after its board accepted an $82.7bn on offer in December.

From BBC • Feb. 27, 2026

Okay, to be honest, I can abide by the limitation of obviousness, but the “feels” part was a done deal as far as the Wild Boy of Bainbridge Island was concerned.

From "Winger" by Andrew Smith