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Done and dusted

Posted by Camlinhall on May 19, 2007

Anyone know the origin of the phrase 'done and dusted...?

I came across this one, but can't verify.

When documents were signed in times past using pens dipped in ink, drying time could be considerable as the application of the ink varied so much. To speed things up an absorbent dust was sprinkled on the fresh writing, left momentarily, and then tipped off the sheet, allowing the document to be rolled or folded there and then, and carried off. Thus, a deal was considered finalized when it was "done and dusted".

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