Carved/set in stone
adjective
Something that is fixed and cannot be changed.
These rules are not carved in stone; we can change them if necessary.
Often appears as...
- rules are carved in stone
- plan is carved in stone
Usage tips
Idiomatic
adjective
An idea or rule that is accepted as truth or unchangeable.
The code of conduct might as well have been carved in stone.
Often appears as...
- code of conduct is carved in stone
- principle is carved in stone
Usage tips
Idiomatic
adjective
Something that is remembered or will be remembered for a long time.
The moment was carved in stone in her memory.
Often appears as...
- moment is carved in stone
- memory is carved in stone
Usage tips
Idiomatic
adjective
Something that is fixed and cannot be changed.
These rules are not carved in stone; we can change them if necessary.
Often appears as...
- rules are carved in stone
- plan is carved in stone
Usage tips
Idiomatic
adjective
An idea or rule that is accepted as truth or unchangeable.
The code of conduct might as well have been carved in stone.
Often appears as...
- code of conduct is carved in stone
- principle is carved in stone
Usage tips
Idiomatic
adjective
Something that is remembered or will be remembered for a long time.
The moment was carved in stone in her memory.
Often appears as...
- moment is carved in stone
- memory is carved in stone
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Changeability
Used to emphasize the potential for change in rules or plans.
Although our itinerary looks final, it isn't carved in stone.
Pro Tip 2/3Expect Flexibility
Indicates that, unlike literal stone, the subject can be adapted.
Your job responsibilities are not carved in stone and can evolve.
Pro Tip 3/3Metaphoric Use
Used figuratively to represent rigidity but does not involve actual stone.
The schedule is set in stone for now, but we can review it later.
Pro Tip 1/3Changeability
Used to emphasize the potential for change in rules or plans.
Although our itinerary looks final, it isn't carved in stone.
Pro Tip 2/3Expect Flexibility
Indicates that, unlike literal stone, the subject can be adapted.
Your job responsibilities are not carved in stone and can evolve.
Pro Tip 3/3Metaphoric Use
Used figuratively to represent rigidity but does not involve actual stone.
The schedule is set in stone for now, but we can review it later.
Pro Tip 1/3Changeability
Used to emphasize the potential for change in rules or plans.
Although our itinerary looks final, it isn't carved in stone.
Pro Tip 2/3Expect Flexibility
Indicates that, unlike literal stone, the subject can be adapted.
Your job responsibilities are not carved in stone and can evolve.
Pro Tip 3/3Metaphoric Use
Used figuratively to represent rigidity but does not involve actual stone.
The schedule is set in stone for now, but we can review it later.
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