Tip 4: Pay attention to any verb in the expression.
I'll demonstrate this tip while discussing today's common expression which is "done and dusted". This is used when a task has been completely finished. Here are some sentences with "done and dusted".
http://fraze.it/n_search.jsp?hardm=1&t=0&l=0&p=4&q=done+and+dusted
e.g. "I'm not even going to discuss the potential of a couple of loan deals till this one is done and dusted."
"done and dusted" is used as an adjective phrase and so, like many adjectives, often comes with the verb "to be".
This is my own example: "I need to get this essay done and dusted by lunchtime."
It is also used in past participle phrases such as: get/have + something + done and dusted, like in my example. So in your own sentences, use either of these options, but don't be more experimental until you are really sure how to use the phrase.
Have fun!
Thanks for all your comments so far.
Natalia - Good effort. "is done and dusted" would work here - "has been" is less natural. Think of the expression as an adjective which describes a situation. We usually use it in the present tense.
Phuong - your first one is very good. The second one doesn't work well, I am sorry. We use the expression for a task, not just for a comment.
Suade - spot on. You had the advantage of hearing the expression used.
Sudeep - you didn't follow my advice well enough! Back to class! It's not possible to say "do something done and dusted". The "wicket" is the situation in the expression, and you would not say situation as well. I am trying not to sound critical and am impressed with your efforts - so I hope you keep trying.
Using idioms well is very challenging, especially as you are all learning them here only from writing. I recommend making simple examples until a native speaker can confidently tell you that you are very competent with the use of a particular expression.
Keep up the good work!
I know this idiom because my English teacher used to say it sometimes in the class.
Here's my sentence. I imagined myself as an artist. :)
The first painting for my next exhibition is now done and dusted. I'm so excited to start drawing the second one.
Thank you.
