Daily English Pod

A done deal

Jale QARAQAN

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A done deal

 If something is “a done deal,” it means it has already been decided or is almost certain to happen. There is little or no uncertainty left.

Examples:

1- Don’t celebrate too early — it’s not a done deal yet.

2- You’re basically hired. It’s a done deal.

Sometimes, people talk about future plans
as if everything is already completely certain.

They act like the decision has already been made,
even when things are not fully official yet.

And that’s exactly the idea behind today’s expression:

“a done deal.”

Hi everyone, and welcome to Daily English.
Today we’re looking at a very common and useful expression:

 “a done deal.”

One more time:
a done deal.

 If something is “a done deal,” it means it has already been decided or is almost certain to happen.

There is little or no uncertainty left.

Let’s start with a relatable everyday example.

Imagine someone applies for a job and has a final interview.

After the interview,
their friend says:

“You’re basically hired. It’s a done deal.”

Meaning:
the result already feels almost certain.

Or imagine two friends planning a trip together.

One person says:

“Nothing’s booked yet, so it’s not a done deal.”

This expression is very common in:

  • work
  • business
  • relationships
  • travel plans
  • negotiations
  • everyday conversations

For example:

“We’ve agreed on everything. At this point, it’s a done deal.”

Or:

“Don’t celebrate too early — it’s not a done deal yet.”

And I think this expression reflects something psychologically interesting too.

Sometimes people speak with certainty because certainty feels emotionally comforting.

But life is often less final than we imagine.

Plans change.
People hesitate.
Situations evolve.

And sometimes,
assuming something is a done deal too early
creates disappointment later.

 Now it’s your turn:

Have you ever thought something was a done deal — and then things changed unexpectedly?

Thanks for listening to Daily English.
Take care,
and see you tomorrow.