carved in stone

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Word: Carved in Stone

Definition: The phrase "carved in stone" means something that is very firm, fixed, and unchangeable. It suggests that once something is decided or established, it cannot easily be altered or changed, just like a carving in stone that is permanent.

Usage Instructions:

• Use "carved in stone" when you want to describe agreements, plans, or decisions that are final and not open to change.
• It is often used in both formal and informal contexts.

Example Sentences:

1. "Once we sign the contract, our commitment to the project will be carved in stone."
2. "The rules of the game are not carved in stone; they can be adjusted if necessary."

Advanced Usage:

• In more complex sentences, "carved in stone" can be combined with other phrases to emphasize the permanence of a decision. For example: "While the initial plan was carved in stone, we are open to suggestions for improvement."

Word Variants:

• Carve (verb): To cut or shape something from a solid material (e.g., "He carved a statue from marble.")
• Stone (noun): A hard solid non-metallic mineral matter (e.g., "The building was made of stone.")

Different Meanings:

• In general use, "carved" refers to shaping something by cutting it. "Stone" can refer to a physical rock or can symbolize something unyielding or strong. Together, they metaphorically suggest something that is enduring and not likely to change.

Synonyms:

• Fixed
• Permanent
• Unchangeable
• Established
• Set

Related Idioms:

• Set in stone: This is another way of saying something is unchangeable, similar to "carved in stone."
• Written in stone: Indicates that something is definite and cannot be altered.

Phrasal Verbs:

• There are no specific phrasal verbs directly related to "carved in stone," but you might encounter phrases like "set up" (to establish) or "settle down" (to become stable), which can have similar meanings in context.

Academic

Adjective

1. no longer changeable
   • the agreement is not yet set in stone

Synonyms

• set in stone