What is deal in? How to use in English

The expression "deal in" has its roots in the world of trading and commerce. It's derived from the verb "deal," which originally meant "engage in commerce" or "handle goods for sale." The phrase "deal in" is a phrasal verb that can be used in two ways: as a transitive or intransitive verb. As a transitive verb, "deal in" implies that someone is actively involved in the trading or exchange of a particular commodity or service. For example, a stockbroker "deals in" securities, a dealer "deals in" antiques, and a smuggler "deals in" contraband. In this usage, "deal in" is followed by a noun indicating the item being traded or sold. As an intransitive verb, "deal in" means that someone is engaged in an activity, often of a secret or illicit nature. It's typically followed by a phrase describing the activity or the concept involved. For example, one might say "he deals in insider trading" or "she deals in dirty politics." In this usage, "deal in" does not have a direct object but rather identifies the person or organization committing the illicit act. Overall, "deal in" is a vivid and economical expression that conveys the sense of trading, commerce, or nefarious activity, all of which carry the connotations of profit, power, and risk-taking.