📜 Signed, Sealed, and Delivered: Tying Up Loose Ends!
Definition
Signed, sealed, and delivered: Satisfactorily completed; finished and done with. Originally from the legal world, this term described a legal document, specifically a deed, that, to be valid, had to be signed, sealed with a wax seal, and delivered to the new owner.
Sir Walter Scott eloquently employed this term in his literary work Rob Roy (1818): “How does Farmer Rutledge? . . . I hope you found him able to sign, seal, and deliver.”
Over time, our loosely-inclined twentieth-century selves elevated this phrase beyond legal proceedings to describe anything that’s been neatly wrapped up. No postage stamps needed!
Related & Similar Terms
- All tied up: Completely completed, leaving no loose ends.
- Done and dusted: Finished in its entirety, leaving nothing more to do.
- In the bag: Certain to happen, unmistakably assured.
- Buttoned up: Finalized with no further action required.
- Nailed down: Precisely secured or settled.
Synonyms
- Confirmed
- Finalized
- Concluded
- Completed
- Executed
Antonyms
- Pending
- Incomplete
- Unsettled
- Undecided
- Open-ended
Humor-filled Quote
“Living life is like signing, sealing, and delivering. You never know what happens if you forgot to lick the stamp.” - Quincy Quaintquotes
Proverbs:
- “The end crowns the work.” - shows the importance of finishing what one has started.
- “Well begun is half done.” - emphasizes that a good start warrants a planned and neatly finished end.
References in Literature:
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen - contracts and social engagements, although not explicitly described as “signed, sealed, and delivered,” reflect the societal customs around commitments and propriety.
Songs:
“Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours)” by Stevie Wonder – An upbeat anthem where love commitments are deemed unquestionably final.
Movies:
Jerry Maguire (1996) - “Show Me the Money!” scene – a metaphorical commitment sealed with enthusiasm and finality.
Inspirational Farewell:
So next time life hands you a document — be it on paper or metaphorical — don your mental wax seal, channel your inner Sir Walter Scott, and commit to signing, sealing, and delivering with gusto!
Until next time, keep those stamps handy and your seals even handier.
