Carved in stone Meaning in English
expression
ˈkɑɹvd/ /ˈɪn/, /ɪn/ /ˈstoʊn
KARVD-in-STOHN
kˈɑːvd/ /ˈɪn/ /stˈəʊn
KAHVD-in-STOHN
Definition
If something is 'carved in stone', it is fixed and cannot be changed. It is often used to say that a decision, rule, or plan is permanent.
Usage & Nuances
This is an idiomatic, slightly formal expression. Often used with 'not' ('not carved in stone') to mean something can still change. Used about rules, plans, or decisions; not for physical objects or literal meaning.
Spanish: escrito en piedra - grabado en piedraPortuguese (BR): escrito em pedra - gravado em pedraPortuguese (PT): escrito em pedra - gravado em pedraChinese (Simplified): 铁板钉钉 - 板上钉钉Chinese (Traditional): 鐵板釘釘 - 板上釘釘Hindi: पत्थर पर खुदा हुआArabic: منقوش في الصخرBengali: পাথরে খোদাই করা - অপরিবর্তনীয়Russian: высечено в камнеJapanese: 石に刻まれているVietnamese: khắc vào đáKorean: 돌에 새겨진 것처럼 - 불변의Turkish: taşa kazınmışUrdu: پتھر پر کندہ - ناقابل تبدیلIndonesian: terukir di batu
Example Sentences
The rules are not carved in stone; we can change them if needed.
basic
Our meeting time is not carved in stone yet.
basic
Nothing is carved in stone; things can always change.
basic
Just because it was discussed doesn't mean it's carved in stone.
natural
Remember, these plans aren’t carved in stone; we can be flexible.
natural
If it isn’t carved in stone, let’s keep our options open.
natural