done and dusted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "done and dusted" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something has been completed, or finished and put away. For example: "I've finished all my assignments, so that's done and dusted!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Britain is done and dusted, y'see?

Independent

It will all be done and dusted.

Independent

So nothing's done and dusted.

The Guardian - Sport

It's finished, done and dusted.

The Guardian - Sport

The game was done and dusted.

The Guardian - Sport

This first set looks done and dusted.

The Guardian - Sport

This was not yet done and dusted.

The Guardian - Sport

"Presentation done and dusted, went very well.

The Guardian - Sport

That decision is not done and dusted.

The Guardian - Sport

I will when it's done and dusted.

The Guardian - Sport

And that's us done and dusted.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "done and dusted" to convey a sense of finality and thoroughness, particularly in informal contexts. It's ideal for indicating that something is not only completed but also resolved and no longer requires attention.

Common error

Avoid using "done and dusted" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more professional alternatives like "completed" or "finalized" to maintain a serious tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "done and dusted" is as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate that something is completely finished and resolved. Ludwig examples show it often describes tasks, events, or deals that have reached their conclusion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Done and dusted" is a common adjective phrase used to indicate that something is completely finished and resolved. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English, although its informality makes it more suitable for casual or neutral contexts. The phrase primarily functions to convey finality and thoroughness, assuring that a task, event, or deal is no longer a concern. While predominantly found in news and media sources, it's advisable to use more formal alternatives like "completed and finalized" in professional or academic writing to maintain an appropriate tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completed and finalized

More formal and emphasizes the official nature of the completion.

achieved and concluded

Formal and highlights the successful completion of a goal.

finished and settled

Highlights the resolution and conclusion of a matter.

all wrapped up

More informal and suggests the task has been neatly finished.

brought to a close

More formal and indicates a deliberate act of ending something.

all over with

Emphasizes the end of something, often implying relief.

buttoned up

Informal and suggests attention to detail in completing the task.

brought to fruition

Highlights the successful development and completion of something.

in the bag

Informal idiom indicating assured success or completion.

signed, sealed, delivered

Emphasizes the formal and binding nature of the completion.

FAQs

How can I use "done and dusted" in a sentence?

You can use "done and dusted" to indicate that something is completely finished and no longer needs attention. For example, "The project is "all wrapped up", so that's "done and dusted"!"

What's a more formal alternative to "done and dusted"?

If you need a more formal phrase, consider using "completed and finalized", "achieved and concluded", or "brought to a close" depending on the specific context.

Is "done and dusted" appropriate for professional communication?

While "done and dusted" is widely understood, it's generally best suited for informal or neutral communication. In professional settings, opt for more formal terms to maintain a professional tone.

What does "done and dusted" imply about the completion of a task?

"Done and dusted" suggests that the task is not only finished but also thoroughly completed and resolved. It conveys a sense of finality and that no further action is required.