the real deal

noun

informal
: something or someone that is real or genuine : a thing or person that is not a copy or imitation
These diamonds aren't fake. They're the real deal.
That guy looked so much like Elvis, I almost thought he was the real deal.

Examples of the real deal in a Sentence

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That’s not to say Piastri is now a bust — far from it — or that Antonelli isn’t the real deal too. The Athletic, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2026 The dude is the real deal, not to mention an amazing personality. Corky Carroll, Oc Register, 28 Feb. 2026 When Sidney and Gale (Courteney Cox) visit Fallbrook Psychiatric Hospital, an employee named Marco (Ethan Embry) recognizes Stu as a John Doe patient who was recently released, seemingly confirming the calls are coming from the real deal. Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 27 Feb. 2026 Rather than getting too tile-happy and going to town on your own with these DIY tiles, be patient and hire a professional or learn how to properly install the real deal. Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 25 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for the real deal

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Cite this Entry

“The real deal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20real%20deal. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.

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