cut a deal

Idioms and Phrases

Offer or arrange an agreement or compromise, as in The administration is hoping to cut a deal with Japan . This expression uses deal in the sense of “business transaction.” [ Colloquial ; 1970s]

Example Sentences

In 2017, Mr. Perez was in trouble again and spent two mornings at the U.S. attorney’s office in Santa Ana, Calif., trying to cut a deal.

From New York Times

Trump promised to push Zelensky to cut a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin, one that may involve a loss of territory.

From BBC

Perhaps nothing, however, says historical ignorance so much as Trump’s recent comment on Fox News — not his first such remark — that Abraham Lincoln should have cut a deal with the South to prevent the Civil War.

From Los Angeles Times

Always partial to a dramatic flourish, Salmond announced he had changed his mind just before nominations closed, having cut a deal with candidate Nicola Sturgeon which saw her agree to be his number two.

From BBC

Felix Salmon, Emily Peck, and Elizabeth Spiers discuss the strike, sketchy union leader Harold Daggett, and how the White House put its thumb on the scales to help cut a deal.

From Slate