Cut and dried

usgb
adjective

Something that is clearly decided or understood and will not change.

The procedure is not as cut and dried as you might think.
Visual representation of "cut and dried" - Something that is clearly decided or understood and will not change

Often appears as...

  • not cut and dried
  • quite cut and dried

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "cut and dried"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Decision Finality

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

Illustration for Decision Finality
The verdict is cut and dried; the judge won't reconsider.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Expectation Clarity

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

Illustration for Expectation Clarity
I thought the rules might vary, but they were pretty cut and dried.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Misleading Simplicity

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

Illustration for Misleading Simplicity
The issue seemed cut and dried, yet it sparked a heated debate.
Visual representation of the word "Cut and dried"

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