Cut and dried

Pro Tip 1/3

Decision Finality

Use when referring to decisions or situations that are definitively settled and won't be altered.

The verdict is cut and dried; the judge won't reconsider.

Pro Tip 2/3

Expectation Clarity

Indicates that what follows is without ambiguity or uncertainty, often contrary to expectations.

I thought the rules might vary, but they were pretty cut and dried.

Pro Tip 3/3

Misleading Simplicity

Beware of underestimating complexity; something may appear cut and dried but have underlying nuances.

The issue seemed cut and dried, yet it sparked a heated debate.