Done and dusted

This phrase signifies successful completion of a task and appears to be a British expression from the mid-20th century. Its origin is obscure and is the subject of burgeoning folk etymology. For example, some maintain it derives from the habit of sprinkling absorbent dust on documents to dry fresh ink. The documents were then, presumably, done and dusted. While this sounds plausible, the appearance of the expression in print cannot be found before 1964 (in the novel Joby by Stan Burstow) while both blotting paper and absorbent dust have been in use since the 1400s! Others maintain its origin lies in the completion of simple household cleaning. It is obvious that the etymology of this expression is far from done and dusted. See also Home and dry.