Struck a Deal: Definition, Meaning, and Origin

Last Updated on
September 26, 2023

The idiom "struck a deal" means to make an arrangement or a bargain with someone, usually after some negotiation or discussion.

In short:

  • "Struck a deal" means to make an agreement or a bargain with someone.

What Does "Struck a Deal" Mean?

The idiom "struck a deal" describes an agreement or a bargain with someone, usually after some negotiation or discussion. The deal can be about anything, such as business, politics, personal matters, etc. The word "struck" implies that the agreement was made quickly, decisively, or was a good or favorable outcome for the parties involved.

Where Does "Struck a Deal" Come From?

The origin of the idiom "struck a deal" is not very clear, but it may have something to do with the ancient practice of striking coins or medals to commemorate important events or agreements. These coins were often exchanged as tokens of goodwill or recognition between the parties involved.

Historical Example

One of the earliest recorded uses of the idiom "struck a deal" in English dates back to 1827, in an article from The Times newspaper about the political situation in Greece:

"The Greeks have struck a deal with Ibrahim Pasha; they are to evacuate Napoli di Romania and Argos; he engages not to advance beyond Corinth."

10 Examples of "Struck a Deal" in Sentences

Here are some examples of how to use this idiom in sentences:

  • She struck a deal with her boss: she would work from home if she met her deadlines.
  • Great job! He struck a deal with his landlord to pay half the rent now and the rest later.
  • She struck a deal with her husband: She would cook dinner if he would do the dishes. Yoink.
  • He struck a deal with his teacher that he would do extra homework if he could retake the test.
  • Way to go! The two companies struck a deal to merge their operations and create a new entity.
  • Yaas! After months of negotiation, the two countries finally struck a deal on trade and security.
  • Holy cow! They struck a deal with the hotel: they would get a discount if they booked for a week.
  • They struck a deal with the car seller: they would buy a new one if he lowered the price by $500.
  • No diggity. She struck a deal with her friend: she would lend her dress if she could borrow her shoes.
  • They struck a deal with the police: they would testify against their accomplices if they got reduced sentences.

Examples of "Struck a Deal" in Pop Culture

Here are some examples of how this idiom has been used in various forms of popular culture:

  • In the movie "The Godfather" (1972), the character Vito Corleone says: "I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse." This is a famous example of making a deal with someone by threatening them.
  • In the TV show "Breaking Bad" (2008-2013), the character Walter White says: "We're done when I say we're done." This is an example of closing a deal with someone by asserting authority.
  • In the book "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" (1998), the character Harry Potter says: "I'll bet you anything Fawkes could get us out of here." This is an example of striking a deal with someone by wagering.

Other Ways to Say "Struck a Deal"

Here are some synonyms for this idiom:

  • To agree on something
  • To settle something
  • To arrange something
  • To work something out
  • To hammer something out
  • To come to terms with someone
  • To reach a consensus with someone
  • To find a middle ground with someone
  • To compromise with someone
  • To negotiate with someone

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "Struck a Deal"

Here are some frequently asked questions about this idiom:

  • What does "struck a deal" mean?

The idiom "struck a deal" means to make an arrangement or a bargain with someone, usually after some negotiation or discussion.

  • What is the origin of the phrase "struck a deal"?

The origin of the idiom "struck a deal" is not very clear, but it may have something to do with the ancient practice of striking coins or medals to commemorate important events or agreements. These coins were often exchanged as tokens of goodwill or recognition between the parties involved.

  • Is "struck a deal" formal or informal?

The idiom "struck a deal" is neither formal nor informal. It can be used in formal and informal situations like business, politics, or personal relationships.

  • What is the difference between "strike a deal" and "strike up a deal"?

There is no significant difference between "strike a deal" and "strike up a deal." They both mean to reach an agreement or a compromise with someone. However, "strike up a deal" can sometimes imply that the deal is initiated or started by one party, while "strike a deal" can mean that both parties mutually agree.

  • What is the opposite of "struck a deal"?

The opposite of "struck a deal" can be "to break a deal," "to cancel a deal," "to reject a deal," "to back out of a deal," and "to renounce a deal."

  • How do you use "struck a deal" in passive voice?

To use "struck a deal" in passive voice, you can add "be" and the past participle of the verb "strike," which is also "struck," after the object of the sentence.

  • How do you use "struck a deal" in a question?

To use "struck a deal" in a question, you can add "did" or "have" before the subject of the sentence, depending on the tense.

Example: Have you struck a deal with them yet?

  • How do you use "struck a deal" in a negative sentence?

To use "struck a deal" in a negative sentence, you can add "not" or "n't" after the verb or the auxiliary verb, depending on the tense.

Example: She has not struck a deal with him this week.

  • How do you use "struck a deal" in a conditional sentence?

To use "struck a deal" in a conditional sentence, you can add "if" or "unless" before the clause that expresses the condition, and use the appropriate verb form, depending on the type of condition.

Example: She would have struck a deal with him if he had been more reasonable.

  • How do you use "struck a deal" in the present perfect tense?

To use "struck a deal" in present perfect tense, you can add "have" or "has" before the verb "struck."

Example: He has struck a deal with them this month.

Final Thoughts About "Struck a Deal"

The idiom "struck a deal" means agreeing on something or compromising with someone, usually after some discussion or bargaining.

Some key points to remember about this idiom are:

  • It can be used in various contexts and situations.
  • It has some related expressions that have similar meanings.
  • It comes from striking a coin or a medal to confirm a contract.
  • It can be used in different tenses, voices, questions, negatives, and conditionals.

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