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Meaning & use

carve in stone

phrase·Advanced

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UK/ˌkɑːv ɪn ˈstəʊn/
US/ˌkɑːrv ɪn ˈstoʊn/

Meanings

  1. phraseidiomfigurative

    Fixed and impossible to change; used mainly in the negative to say a plan is still flexible.

    Grammar: Usually appears as 'not carved in stone' or 'carved in stone' after the verb 'be'.

    Patterns

    • be carved in stone
    • not be carved in stone
    • nothing is carved in stone

    The schedule isn't carved in stone, so we can move the meeting.

    Nothing is carved in stone yet; we can still change the design.

    Treat these rules as guidelines, not as something carved in stone.

  2. phraseidiom

    Literally cut into a stone surface so that the words or picture remain permanently.

    Grammar: Used about real letters or images cut into rock or a monument.

    Patterns

    • carve a name in stone
    • carve words in stone

    The names of the soldiers were carved in stone on the memorial.

    He carved his initials in stone above the doorway.

Common combinations

not carved in stone
The budget isn't carved in stone, so we can adjust it.
set in stone
Her decision is set in stone and cannot be reversed.
nothing is carved in stone
Nothing is carved in stone; we can revisit the plan later.
carved in stone on a monument
The poem is carved in stone on the monument wall.

Synonyms and how they differ

set in stone
The most common variant; it means the same and is used both positively and in the negative.
fixed
A plainer word meaning unchangeable; it lacks the vivid image but works in formal writing.
final
Means decided and not open to more discussion; it is simpler and more neutral.

Opposites

flexiblechangeableopen to change

Word family

carve verb
To cut a shape or letters into wood, stone, or another hard material.
carving noun
A shape or design cut into stone, wood, or another material.
stone noun
Hard solid mineral material used in building and monuments.

Commonly confused: carve in stone or set in concrete? carve in stone or written in stone?

carve in stone vs set in concrete

A similar idiom meaning completely fixed; 'carved in stone' is more common in American English.

carve in stone vs written in stone

A looser variant some speakers use, but 'carved in stone' is the standard form.

Practice

Don't worry about the dates — the plan isn't ______ yet.

Make it your own

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