be sewn up

To be totally and conclusively settled or determined. A: "Have you finalized the details of the contract?" B: "Yep, it's all sewn up now!" They scored a goal in the last two minutes, but the game was already sewn up at that point. Don't worry, everything is sewn up for our vacation. All you have to do is get ready for a week of relaxation!

get (something) sewn up

1. To successfully conclude or settle some agreement or negotiation. I was finally able to get the contracts with the other firm sewn up. There are still a few outstanding issues to resolve, but we should be able to get the deal sewn up by the end of the week. Don't worry, I've gotten everything sewn up for our vacation. All you have to do is get ready for a week of relaxation!

2. To gain total control or domination over something. There have been a few rival companies here and there, but most would agree that Flimtendo got the video game market sewn up years ago. With a goal in the last two minutes, the team has gotten the game all but sewn up. A: "Wouldn't it be nice to go into the ninth inning with a comfortable lead for once?" B: "Right? We don't have to get a win sewn up at the last second every night!"

have (something) sewn up

1. To conclude, determine, or settle something completely. We should have the contract all sewn up by the end of the week. They have the deal sewn up at this point. It's just a matter of dealing with a few remaining formalities. Don't worry, I talked to the travel agent, and she has everything sewn up for our vacation. All we have to do is get ready for a week of relaxation!

2. To have total control or domination over something. There have been a few rival companies, but most would agree that they have the market sewn up at this point. They scored a goal in the last two minutes, but their opponents already had the game totally sewn up with an insurmountable six-point lead. In my opinion, no one has the makeup market sewn up because it's so oversaturated right now.

sew up a/the deal

To successfully conclude or settle some agreement or negotiation. I was finally able to sew up the deal with the other firm. Good luck sewing up a deal here—the owner can't stand you.