The idiom "carved in stone" refers to something that is fixed and unchangeable, usually a rule, plan, or condition. It paints a vivid picture of an old-fashioned chisel being used to etch words into a slab of rock—a laborious process that, once completed, cannot easily be reversed.
In short:
"Carved in stone" signifies something that is immutable, firm, and unalterable.
"Carved in stone" is a widely recognized English idiom referring to a decision, rule, or plan that is set and cannot be altered. The phrase speaks to the permanence and irrevocability of something engraved in stone, symbolically expressing the idea of unchangeability.
Let's break down its key implications and usage:
The idiom "carved in stone" is believed to have originated from the biblical story of Moses, who received the Ten Commandments from God on two stone tablets. Given this context, the phrase has become synonymous with something that is permanent and unchangeable.
"Moses works miracles because God's will is not limited to the law carved in stone. "
- Reality and The Theatre, Naïm Kattan, 1972
Here are some examples of the idiom in use:
The phrase "carved in stone" is not uncommon in pop culture, usually signifying something that is firm, fixed, and cannot be changed.
Let's examine some instances:
A variety of other phrases carry a similar meaning to "carved in stone."
Here are a few:
"Carved in stone" refers to something that is fixed, unchangeable, and not open to alteration.
You can use "carved in stone" to describe a rule, decision, or condition that cannot be changed. For example, "Our plan is carved in stone; we cannot modify it now."
The phrase "carved in stone" is believed to have originated from the biblical story of Moses receiving the Ten Commandments on stone tablets, symbolizing the immutability of divine law.
Yes, "carved in stone" typically implies something is permanent and not open to alteration or reconsideration.
Not necessarily. While "carved in stone" is often used in formal contexts like legal or official decisions, it can also be used informally to describe any situation, belief, or plan that is considered unchangeable.
Yes, the phrase can be used to describe personal beliefs or values that a person is not willing to change or compromise.
Typically, something "carved in stone" is considered unchangeable. However, in reality, few things are truly immutable, so the phrase often implies a strong resistance to change rather than absolute impossibility.
Not always. While the phrase could be perceived negatively if it refers to inflexibility or stubbornness, it could also be positive when it signifies constancy, reliability, or steadfastness, such as a "promise carved in stone."
Yes, "carved in stone" can refer to longstanding historical, cultural, or traditional rules or practices that are typically resistant to change.
While the exact phrase "carved in stone" may not exist in every language, the concept of something being unchangeable or permanent is likely to be a universally understood idea.
The phrase "carved in stone" serves to remind us of the unchangeable nature of certain aspects of life, decisions, and beliefs. Whether it's laws, traditions, or personal values, recognizing what is "carved in stone" can help us navigate our responses and understand our positions better.
Here's a quick recap:
The phrase serves as a metaphorical reflection of the rigid and unyielding nature of the stone itself, suggesting that some things, once established, cannot be easily changed or erased.
