- Permanent, fixed, unchangeable, or definitively decided.
Explanation
Origin
- Evokes the image of laws or important declarations being carved into stone tablets for permanence, like the Ten Commandments in religious tradition or historical inscriptions.
- Stone is durable and difficult to alter, symbolizing immutability.
- Often used in the negative (it's not written in stone) to indicate that something is flexible or subject to change.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal (Often for 'not written in stone'):
- It's flexible.
- There's wiggle room.
- We can play it by ear. (Decide as we go)
Slang/Informal (For 'written in stone'):
- That's final.
- End of discussion.
- Set in concrete.
Situational Appropriateness
- Appropriate in most contexts, informal to formal.
- Very common in discussions about plans, rules, schedules, and agreements.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Purely metaphorical. Learners need to understand it refers to the unchangeable nature of plans, rules, or decisions, not literal writing on stone.
Examples
- The schedule is flexible; it's not written in stone.
- Once the contract is signed, the terms are written in stone.
- Are these rules written in stone, or is there some leeway?
Dialogue
Person A: Is the meeting definitely at 3 PM on Friday? I might have a conflict.
Person B: It's scheduled for then, but it's not written in stone. If you have a conflict, let me know, and maybe we can adjust it.
Person A: Okay, great. I'll check my calendar and get back to you. Thanks!
Social Media Examples
- Tweet: Friendly reminder: Your career path isn't written in stone. It's okay to change your mind or pivot! #careeradvice #flexibility
- Project Update Email: This initial timeline is a draft, folks. Consider it a guideline – it's not written in stone yet.
- Forum Comment: Are the community guidelines strictly written in stone, or is there moderator discretion?
Response Patterns
If something IS written in stone:
- Okay, understood. No changes possible then.
- That's very clear, thank you.
- Well, we'll have to work within those parameters.
If something is NOT written in stone:
- Oh good, so there's some flexibility?
- Great, maybe we can discuss [potential change]?
- That's helpful to know.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After hearing something is NOT written in stone:
- Asking about the possibility of specific changes: So, could we potentially move the deadline?
- Clarifying the degree of flexibility: How much room is there to adjust?
After hearing something IS written in stone:
- Confirming understanding.
- Moving on to discuss how to adhere to the fixed terms/rules.
Conversation Starter
- No. Usually used in response to a question about flexibility or to state the nature of a plan or rule.
Intonation
- Emphasis usually on stone. When used in the negative, emphasis often falls on not.
- It's WRITTEN in STONE.
- It's NOT written in stone.
Generation Differences
- Widely understood across all generations.
Regional Variations
- Common globally. Set in stone is an equally common variant.