Written in stone Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈɹɪtən/ /ˈɪn/, /ɪn/ /ˈstoʊn

RIH-tuhn in STOHN

UK

ɹˈɪtən/ /ˈɪn/ /stˈəʊn

rih-TUHN in STOHN

Definition

If something is "written in stone," it means it is permanent and cannot be changed.

Usage & Nuances

Common in informal and semi-formal speech. Implies rules or decisions are unchangeable. Sometimes used negatively to argue for flexibility: "It's not written in stone." Do not use literally for something actually carved in stone.

• Spanish: escrito en piedra - inamovible (figurativo)
• Portuguese (BR): escrito em pedra - definitivo (figurativo)
• Portuguese (PT): escrito em pedra - definitivo (figurativo)
• Chinese (Simplified): 板上钉钉（比喻不可更改）
• Chinese (Traditional): 板上釘釘（比喻不可更改）
• Hindi: पत्थर पर लिखा हुआ - अपरिवर्तनीय (रूपक)
• Arabic: مكتوب على الحجر - لا يتغير (مجازي)
• Bengali: পাথরে লেখা - স্থায়ীভাবে নির্ধারিত
• Russian: высечено в камне
• Japanese: 石に刻まれている
• Vietnamese: khắc vào đá - không thể thay đổi
• Korean: 돌에 새겨진
• Turkish: taşa yazılmış
• Urdu: پتھر پر لکھی ہوئی
• Indonesian: terpatri di batu

Example Sentences

The rules are not written in stone; we can change them if needed.

basic

My decision isn't written in stone yet.

basic

The schedule is written in stone because the event is tomorrow.

basic

Nothing about this project is written in stone, so feel free to suggest changes.

natural

Just because it's in the plan doesn't mean it's written in stone.

natural

Before we panic, let's remember that nothing is written in stone yet.

natural