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Interesting English Phrases with the Word “Deal”

Interesting English Phrases with the Word “Deal”

International English Test Editorial Team·8 Jan 2024·3 min read

Discover different English phrases featuring the word “deal” and incorporate them into your daily language. Do you know the meaning of the phrase “meal me”?

Before delving into English phrases containing the word “deal,” let’s first understand the versatile meanings of the word itself. “Deal” can function as both a verb and a noun, signifying an “agreement,” participating in commercial trading,” or “distributing cards in an orderly rotation.”

Now, let’s explore some fundamental conversational expressions in English featuring the word “deal,” commonly heard in various movies and television shows.

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It’s a deal

This expression is utilized to indicate the completion or agreement of something. It can also signify that something is a favorable bargain.

The phrase is versatile, suitable for both formal contexts, like concluding agreements or contracts, and informal situations, such as casual conversations with friends or colleagues.

For instance: “Listen, Katie, I propose we go to the cinema, but under the condition that I get to choose the film.” – “It’s a deal!”

A big deal

This expression can be applied to someone (he/she’s a significant figure) or something (it’s of great importance), indicating high importance.

When the negative word “not” is included, it conveys the opposite meaning, suggesting that someone or something is not particularly important.

For instance: “Next Saturday, we’ll meet Jeremy Scott – he’s a big deal!”

Who will deal with it?

Our third expression signifies “Who will take care of it?” or “Who will be responsible for doing it?” Essentially, it inquires about the person who will handle the matter and attempt to resolve the problem.

For instance: “We’ve lost a significant portion of our savings on that project. Now, who will deal with it?”

Dealer

This term commonly refers to an individual who deals cards to players in a card game. Its secondary meaning is “someone who sells illegal drugs.”

It’s crucial to consider the context of the conversation or the text you are reading to avoid any confusion regarding the meaning of the word or phrase.

What’s your deal?

You can also inquire, “What’s his/her/their deal?” based on the person in question. This expression is equivalent to asking, “What’s your problem?” or “What are you up to?”

For instance: “Ann, why are you so furious today? What’s your deal?”

Deal with it

This commonly used phrase in English is usually directed at someone with the meaning of “put up with the problem or unpleasant situation” or “solve the problem.” The interpretation depends on the context.

For example: “Molly doesn’t appreciate any of my attempts to make things better. – Deal with it.”

Deal me in

The last phrase in our collection means “I want to be involved. Include me.” It can also express support for a specific idea or plan.

For example: “Who wants to place a bet on the big game this weekend? – Deal me in!”

Utilize these expressions to aid your English learning journey and continue making progress!

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Frequently Asked Questions

It signals that something has been completed or agreed upon, and it can also mean that something is a favourable bargain. The phrase works in both formal settings, such as concluding contracts, and informal ones, like casual chats with friends. A typical exchange is one person proposing to go to the cinema on the condition they pick the film, and the other replying "It's a deal!"
No. On its own, "a big deal" describes a person who is a significant figure or something of great importance, as in "Jeremy Scott is a big deal." Adding the negative word "not" flips the meaning completely, so "it's not a big deal" suggests that the person or thing is not particularly important at all.
"Who will deal with it?" asks who will take care of a matter or be responsible for solving a problem, for example after losing savings on a project. "Deal with it" is usually directed at a person and means put up with the unpleasant situation or solve the problem yourself, with the exact reading depending on the context.
A "dealer" most commonly refers to the person who deals cards to players in a card game, which links back to the meaning of "deal" as distributing cards in an orderly rotation. Its secondary meaning is someone who sells illegal drugs, so paying attention to the context of the conversation or text is essential to avoid confusing the two senses.
Asking "what's your deal?" is equivalent to saying "what's your problem?" or "what are you up to?" You can adapt it to other people by asking "what's his deal?", "what's her deal?" or "what's their deal?" A natural example is asking a friend who seems angry, "Ann, why are you so furious today? What's your deal?"
Saying "deal me in" means "I want to be involved" or "include me," and it can also express support for a particular idea or plan. The expression comes from card games where players ask to be dealt cards. For instance, if someone asks who wants to bet on the weekend's big game, you can reply "Deal me in!"
It can be both. As a noun and a verb, "deal" carries several related meanings, including signifying an agreement, taking part in commercial trading, and distributing cards in an orderly rotation. This flexibility is why so many everyday expressions, from "it's a deal" to "deal me in," are built around the single word.
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International English Test Editorial Team

ALTE Associate Member · UK English assessment provider · Est. 2023

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