be done with it

Question

be done with it = complete it?Context:I don't think the US should discriminate against anyone. Why not just hire a Chinese spy and be done with it? Then, they don't have to go sneaking around--they can just take all our information and leave. That's what's going to happen if the Democrats get their way with being soft on terrorists anyway.

Clive · Accepted Answer

Hi,
be done with it = complete it?

Context:
I don't think the US should discriminate against anyone. Why not just hire a Chinese spy and be done with it? Then, they don't have to go sneaking around--they can just take all our information and leave. That's what's going to happen if the Democrats get their way with being soft on terrorists anyway.

Yes. The idea is that you do all that you can do, you go to the farthest extreme. Then, when you can do no more, you are 'done with' the matter. 'Done' means 'finished', both here and in other common contexts.
This expression is often used in exasperation, with no real intent that the thing should actually be done.
eg You don't love me, you hate me. Why don't you divorce me? Or why not kill me and be done with it?

You sometimes hear the form 'have done with it'.

Best wishes, Clive

NL888 · Answer

Your replies are always excellent, Clive. Thank you very much.

be done with it

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