a done deal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a done deal" is both correct and commonly used in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where a decision or agreement has been finalized and cannot be changed. For example, you could say: "The contract between the two companies has been signed, sealed, and delivered, so it's a done deal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's a done deal.

The New York Times

It was a done deal".

The New York Times - Sports

It's pretty much a done deal.

The New Yorker

"For me it's a done deal.

Independent

Not quite a done deal yet?

The Economist

It is not yet a done deal.

The New York Times

But it is not a done deal".

The New York Times - Arts

"But this is not a done deal".

The New York Times

That was a done deal.

The Washington Post

"This is a done deal.

The Guardian

"It's not a done deal".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "a done deal" to succinctly communicate that an agreement or decision is finalized and not subject to further negotiation or change.

Common error

Avoid using "a done deal" until all necessary approvals and documentation are complete to prevent miscommunication and potential legal issues.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a done deal" functions as an idiomatic expression. Ludwig AI confirms that it signifies that an agreement, decision, or arrangement has been finalized and is no longer subject to change or negotiation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a done deal" is a very common idiomatic expression used to communicate that something is finalized and unchangeable. Ludwig AI confirms that it is both grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While it can be used in formal settings, it's important to consider the specific context and audience, as more formal alternatives may sometimes be more appropriate. Remember to avoid using the phrase prematurely before all necessary steps are completed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

As good as done

Suggests near completion or a very high likelihood of finalization, implying only minor steps remain.

A certainty

This suggests an event is guaranteed to happen, emphasizing inevitability rather than completed negotiation.

A sure thing

Indicates a high probability of success or a positive outcome, similar to inevitability.

Set in stone

Emphasizes the unchangeable nature of a decision or plan.

A foregone conclusion

Implies the outcome was predictable or inevitable from the start, differing from a deal that was worked towards.

Virtually guaranteed

Conveys a very high level of confidence in a future outcome, although not absolute certainty.

In the bag

Suggests assured success or possession, less formal than a completed agreement.

All wrapped up

Indicates completion or finalization, often used in a more casual context.

A closed book

Implies the matter is finished and no longer open for discussion or change, focusing on the end of the process.

Consider it done

Expresses a commitment to complete something, assuring the listener of the action's finality.

FAQs

How can I use "a done deal" in a sentence?

You can use "a done deal" to indicate that an agreement or arrangement has been completely settled. For example, "Once the contract is signed, it's "a done deal"".

What's the difference between "a done deal" and "almost a done deal"?

"A done deal" means the agreement is completely finalized. "Almost a done deal" means it is very close to being finalized but still requires some remaining steps.

What are some alternatives to saying "a done deal"?

Alternatives include "a certainty", "a foregone conclusion", or "as good as done", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a done deal" in formal writing?

While "a done deal" is widely understood, more formal alternatives like "finalized agreement" or "concluded arrangement" may be preferable in highly formal contexts. Otherwise is totally acceptable also in formal contexts.