deal in

1. Also, deal with . Be occupied or concerned with, as in Jim deals in generalities , or This book deals with idioms . The first term dates from the late 1500s, the variant from about 1300.

2. Do business or trade in something, as in They deal in diamonds . [Late 1500s] Also see deal with .

3. deal someone in . Also, deal one a hand . Include someone, give someone a share, as in I hope they'll deal me in on this new enterprise . This usage comes from card games, where to deal has meant “to distribute cards” since the 16th century. [Early 1900s]

Related Words

• carry
• conduct
• control
• enjoy
• have
• manage
• place
• preserve
• put
• retain
• save
• store