Dictionary

deliver the goods en · VERB

Pronunciation

• (Australia) audio

Meanings

1. (idiomatic, informal) To do what was promised or expected.
   • […] many drivers who fired those engines in their hey-day have all confirmed to me that they were free-steaming machines, which when pressed could "deliver the goods". 1959 February, A. G. Dunbar, “The "Dunalastair I" 4-4-0s of the Caledonian”, in Trains Illustrated, page 85:
   • The government promised a lot, but failed to deliver the goods.
   • Empowered staff deliver the goods and exceed your expectations. Disempowered staff develop a 'sullen obedience' where they stop driving new initiatives and just await orders. 2024 January 10, Chris Green, “Empowered...energised... and managing for success”, in RAIL, number 1000, page 22:
   • Euro 2022 stars Beth Mead, Alessia Russo and Toone all came off the bench to help inspire a comeback and it was the Manchester United midfielder, who scored the opening goal in that European success at Wembley, who delivered the goods again. 2023 December 1, Emma Sanders, “England 3-2 Netherlands”, in BBC Sport:

Forms

Relateds

make good on

Translations (5)

fi täyttää lupauksensa ((informal) to keep one's promises) · fr livrer la marchandise ((informal) to keep one's promises) · pl dotrzymać słowa ((informal) to keep one's promises) · fi toimittaa ((informal) to keep one's promises) · pl dotrzymywać słowa ((informal) to keep one's promises)