seal (redirected from set seal on)

My lips are sealed. (humorous)

something you say to let someone know that you will not tell anyone else what they have just told you. 'I'd prefer you not to mention this to anyone else.' 'My lips are sealed.'

See also: lip

put/set the seal on something (slightly formal)

to make something certain or complete. The ambassador's visit set the seal on the trade agreement between the two countries.

See also: set

seal someone's fate

if an event seals someone's fate, they are certain to fail or to have an unpleasant experience in the future. His father's illness sealed his fate - Sam gave up his hopes of a college education and stayed home to run the family business.

See also: fate

signed, sealed and delivered (informal, informal)

if a document or an agreement is signed, sealed and delivered, it has been officially signed and completed. A copy of the will, signed, sealed and delivered, arrived at our house the next morning. There was a signed and sealed statement from the prime minister to confirm the treaty had been accepted.

See also: deliver

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your lips are sealed

you will not talk about something. He acts like he wants you to ask what happened, and then if you do ask, he tells you his lips are sealed.

See also: lip

seal someone's/something's fate

to decide the future of someone or something. His father's illness sealed his fate, making it impossible for him to go to college. The election of Abraham Lincoln sealed the fate of slavery.

Usage notes: usually refers to an unsuccessful or unpleasant future

See also: fate

seal of approval

a statement or action that shows a good opinion of something. We can finalize the trip to China once we get Bernard's seal of approval. With the seal of approval of a government grant, arts organizations find it easier to raise funds.

Etymology: based on the literal meaning of seal of approval (= an official mark showing that something has been accepted)

signed and sealed

1. having official approval. We won't get paid until the contract is signed and sealed.

Usage notes: usually refers to an agreement or contract

2. completed or made final. He'll make a decision next week, but until then the matter isn't signed and sealed.

Etymology: based on a literal meaning of sign and seal (= to put your signature and an official mark on a document that shows it is legal)

See also: signed