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deal in

B1 neutral inseparable transitive
In simple words

To make money by selling a particular kind of thing, or to work with certain types of ideas.

Literal meaning: To deal (engage in trade) in (within) a particular area.

Meanings

1 B1 neutral

To buy and sell a particular type of goods or commodity as a business.

"He deals in rare stamps and vintage coins at markets across the country."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B2 idiomatic neutral

To operate in or concern oneself with a particular type of idea, information, or abstract quality.

"That newspaper has always dealt in sensationalism rather than hard facts."

Grammar: inseparable
3 B1 idiomatic informal

(Informal) To include someone in a card game or, by extension, in a plan or activity.

"Deal me in — I'll put up fifty dollars."

""Deal me in.""

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

The commercial sense is common and widely used in business language. The figurative sense ('dealing in half-truths', 'dealing in fear') is common in journalism and political commentary. When referring to illegal goods, 'deal in' can be used but is less stark than 'traffic in'.

Commonly used with

antiques drugs arms stocks information second-hand goods

Forms

Base
deal in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
deals in
he/she/it
Past simple
dealt in
yesterday
Past participle
dealt in
have + pp
-ing form
dealing in
continuous

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