- A blunt phrase telling someone to accept an unpleasant situation or fact that cannot be changed, and to handle it without complaining or expecting intervention.
Explanation
Origin
- A straightforward command using common words. Deal here means to handle, manage, or cope with something.
- Popularized in the late 20th century as a direct, somewhat defiant expression of accepting reality or telling others to do so.
- Associated with a no-nonsense, perhaps slightly aggressive attitude.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Tough luck. / Tough shit. (Vulgar Expresses lack of sympathy)
- Build a bridge and get over it. (Sarcastic, tells someone to overcome their issue)
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- Just fucking deal with it.
- Often part of a defiant statement: Yeah, I did it. Deal with it, bitch.
Milder:
- We'll have to find a way to manage.
- Let's try to adapt.
- I understand it's difficult, but we need to accept it.
- It is what it is. (Expresses resignation to an unchangeable fact)
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal and blunt.
- Can be very rude and dismissive, especially if used by someone in a position of power or customer service.
- Use with caution; signals a lack of empathy and unwillingness to help or discuss further.
- Might be used defiantly when stating one's own position or actions. (I dyed my hair green. Deal with it.)
Misunderstanding Warnings
- The meaning is usually clear, but non-native speakers might underestimate its rudeness or dismissive tone. It's rarely a neutral statement.
- # SLANG & INFORMAL LANGUAGE
Examples
- I know you don't like the new policy, but it's company-wide. Deal with it.
- Your flight is cancelled, and there are no others today. You'll just have to deal with it.
- (After stating an unpopular opinion) That's what I think. Deal with it.
Dialogue
Employee: This new software is so confusing and inefficient!
Manager: It's what the company decided on. Everyone has to use it. Deal with it.
Employee: But it's slowing down my work!
Manager: There's training available online. Learn it, use it. End of discussion.
Social Media Examples
- Meme: (Image of a cat knocking something over, wearing pixelated sunglasses) Caption: Deal with it.
- Reply to criticism: Unfollowed me because you don't like my opinions? Okay. Deal with it.
- Frustrated post: Airline just told me my luggage is lost and basically said 'deal with it'. Appalling customer service! @AirlineName #travelnightmare
Response Patterns
- Annoyance/Anger: Don't be so rude!, Easy for you to say.
- Resignation: Fine., I guess I have no choice.
- Argumentation: But that's not fair!, There must be something we can do.
- Sarcasm: Oh, thanks for the helpful advice.
- Silence, conveying displeasure.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After telling someone to deal with it:
- Often signifies the end of the speaker's willingness to discuss or help.
- May turn away or change the subject.
- Might offer a practical, unsympathetic suggestion: Find a hotel for the night. (in the flight example)
After being told to deal with it:
- Attempting to solve the problem independently.
- Complaining to someone else.
- Accepting the situation grudgingly.
- Asking (often sarcastically) How am I supposed to deal with it?
Conversation Starter
- No.
- Used mid-conversation, often confrontationally or dismissively.
Intonation
- Typically said with a flat, dismissive, or defiant tone.
- Stress on Deal. DEAL with it.
- Can sound challenging or final.
Generation Differences
- Widely understood. Popularized in memes and online culture, particularly associated with sunglasses sliding onto a face (deal with it meme), making it very recognizable to Millennials and Gen Z, but used by older generations too.
Regional Variations
- Common across all major English-speaking regions.