IdiomNatureEnglish

set in stone

Meaning: Unchangeable and permanent, fixed beyond modification.

Example: “The date for the reunion isn't set in stone yet, so tell us what works for you.”

Origin: The image is of words or laws carved into stone, the hardest everyday material and therefore immune to erasure or alteration.

More idioms — Nature

  • drop in the bucket A contribution or action so small it is negligible compared to a massive problem.
  • bed of roses A situation or life that is entirely easy, comfortable, and free from hardship.
  • made in the shade Assured of comfort, success, or an effortless, favorable position.
  • turn up the heat To make a situation more intense, uncomfortable, or urgent.
  • chase a rainbow To pursue something that is impossible or unrealistic to attain.
  • on eternal patrol Lost or missing at sea, presumed dead.

More English idioms

  • friend of Bill W. A recovering alcoholic, especially one in Alcoholics Anonymous.
  • wear out one's welcome To overstay one's time as a guest until one's presence becomes unwelcome or burdensome.
  • nothing short of Absolutely; entirely; completely—nothing less than the full extent of what is stated.
  • give up the ghost To die, or to cease functioning entirely.
  • live in the past To be preoccupied with previous events and unable to move forward in life.
  • hammer and tongs With great vigor and force; in a determined and vigorous manner.

Explore another collection: False Friends

Words that look familiar in another language but mean something else entirely.

  • Sensible Actually means 'sensitive'. For sensible/level-headed, say raisonnable.
  • Librairie Actually means 'bookshop'. A library is une bibliothèque.
  • Constipado Actually means 'having a head cold'. Estoy constipado = I have a cold.

Browse all false friends →

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