English Reference
Idiom idiom

carved in stone


Unchangeable.

Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.


SIMPLE

These plans are not carved in stone.

CONTEXTUAL

The schedule for our trip is flexible and not carved in stone, so we can change it later.

COMPLEX

While the initial agreement provided a framework for the negotiations, both parties understood that none of the terms were carved in stone.


Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    cast the first stone

    To act self-righteously in accusing another person, believing oneself to be blameless.

  2. 02

    get blood out of a stone

    To do something difficult, frustrating, or pointless.

  3. 03

    kill two birds with one stone

    To solve two problems with one single action.

  4. 04

    leave no stone unturned

    To search or investigate thoroughly.

  5. 05

    rolling stone

    A person who moves around a lot and never settles down; a vagrant.

  6. 06

    set in stone

    Permanent; certain; firm.

  7. 07

    stepping stone

    Something used as a way to progress to something or somewhere else.

  8. 08

    sticks and stones

    Ellipsis of sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.

Last updated August 10, 2026