ENGLISH
REFERENCE

done and dusted

idiom
Meaning

Completed thoroughly and satisfactorily.


Origin

first recorded 20th c.

1953, UK, with "dusted" alliterative and expressing "finishing touches". Compare home and hosed.

Examples
SIMPLE

The project is finally done and dusted.

CONTEXTUAL

After working all weekend, we finally got the house painted and everything is done and dusted.

COMPLEX

With the final contracts signed and the legal review complete, the complex merger is officially done and dusted.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    beat the dust

    To perform curvets too precipitately or too low.

  2. 02

    bite the dust

    To die.

  3. 03

    bust the dust

    To clean dust off something, such as with a vacuum cleaner.

  4. 04

    catch dust

    To be rarely used.

  5. 05

    collect dust

    To remain untouched and unused for a long period of time.

  6. 06

    dust mouse

    A dust bunny.

  7. 07

    dust off a batter

    for a pitcher to throw a pitch at or near the batter, typically to frighten the batter or to have him stand farther away from home plate.

  8. 08

    dust settles

    A heated, angry, or confused atmosphere calms down.

Last updated April 17, 2026