set in stone
Meaning
Fixed and unchangeable; not open to alteration or revision.
Origin
From the idea of words carved into stone monuments or tablets being permanent and hard to alter, so the figurative sense became “fixed/unchangeable.”
Notes
Often used about plans, dates, numbers, or rules. Very common in the negative (“not set in stone”) to mean flexible or tentative.
Examples
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The meeting time isn’t set in stone, so let me know what works for you.
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Our travel plans are set in stone once we book the flights.
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The design is not set in stone yet; we can still make changes.
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These numbers are just estimates and not set in stone.
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Nothing is set in stone, but we’re hoping to launch in May.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually used as an adjective phrase after a linking verb: “It’s set in stone.” Very common in the negative: “not set in stone.” Can modify nouns: “a set-in-stone deadline” (hyphenated).
Synonyms
- fixed
- unchangeable
- final
- locked in
- written in stone
Antonyms
- flexible
- changeable
- up in the air
- tentative