signed and sealed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "signed and sealed" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used when referring to the completion and official approval of a document or agreement, such as a contract or legal document. It emphasizes that the document has been agreed upon and is now legally binding. Example: "The contract was signed and sealed by both parties, making it a binding agreement." Another example: "The will was signed and sealed by the testator and two witnesses, ensuring its validity in court."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

loan is signed and sealed".

The New York Times

But getting agreements signed and sealed is another matter.

The Economist

London Welsh's relegation is all but signed and sealed now.

The Guardian - Sport

Apparently, an attacking player from the Southern Hemisphere is signed and sealed, with delivery imminent.

The Guardian - Sport

Markoishvili, all of 16, was already signed and sealed to Fleisher.

The New York Times - Sports

The English court made an estimated forty-one copies of the Magna Carta, signed and sealed.

The New Yorker

The next defence is already signed and sealed without so much as an if or but about Douglas winning.

The Guardian - Sport

Such a litigious business, you might think, would have everything signed and sealed before a policy goes into place.

The Economist

Mr Bosanquet called for a moratorium on PFI schemes that have not yet been signed and sealed.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

All is not signed and sealed the House promises a fight, and George Bush may exercise his veto but hats off, all the same.

The Economist

Lumumba's image appeared on the cover of the program, and on the first page, he spoke from the grave with a signed-and-sealed resolution from the mayor's desk.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about academic documents, ensure official transcripts arrive in a "signed and sealed" envelope to maintain their authenticity.

Common error

While "signed and sealed" is generally appropriate, avoid using it in very informal communications. Opt for simpler terms like 'finalized' or 'agreed upon' in casual conversations or less formal writing to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "signed and sealed" functions primarily as a descriptive idiom, indicating that something has been officially completed and approved. As Ludwig AI shows, it often modifies nouns like “contract”, “agreement”, or “deal” to emphasize finality and legal validity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

18%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Reference

1%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "signed and sealed" is a common idiom used to convey the completion and official approval of an agreement or document. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use across various reputable sources, especially in news, media, academia, and business contexts. While versatile, it's important to consider the level of formality required and opt for simpler alternatives in casual situations. Alternatives like "officially approved" or "legally binding" can serve as direct replacements. Remember to use "signed and sealed" when you want to emphasize the finality and legal validity of an agreement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely finalized

Highlights that the finishing touches and approvals have been fully achieved.

legally binding

Highlights the enforceable aspect of the agreement after being finalized.

fully ratified

Emphasizes the formal confirmation and validation of the agreement.

set in stone

Figuratively represents the agreement as unchangeable and firmly established.

officially approved

Replaces the idiomatic expression with a more direct description of the action.

definitively settled

Indicates that the agreement has been resolved without possibility of further dispute.

duly executed

Focuses on the proper and complete fulfillment of all necessary formalities.

formally concluded

Stresses the end or closing of the agreement process in a formal manner.

agreement in force

Shifts focus from the act of sealing to the active validity and operation of an agreement.

all wrapped up

Offers a more informal way to express that something is finished and completed.

FAQs

How can I use "signed and sealed" in a sentence?

You can use "signed and sealed" to indicate that an agreement or document is fully completed and legally binding. For example, "The contract was "officially approved", making it a "signed and sealed" deal".

What's a less formal alternative to "signed and sealed"?

In less formal contexts, you could use phrases like "finalized", "agreed upon", or "completed".

Is it redundant to say something is "signed, sealed, and delivered"?

While "signed, sealed, and delivered" is a traditional phrase, it can be redundant. "Signed and sealed" already implies that all necessary steps have been taken, including delivery if required. The full phrase might be used for emphasis.

When is it appropriate to use "signed and sealed"?

It's appropriate to use "signed and sealed" when you want to emphasize the official completion and binding nature of an agreement, especially in legal, business, or formal contexts. Consider using it when referring to contracts, treaties, or official certifications.