B2idiomnatureIELTS-friendly
set in stone
USUK
fixed and impossible to change
Usually in the negative: 'nothing is set in stone'. The preposition is 'in'.
In context
The date of the trip isn't set in stone, so we can move it if it rains.
These rules are not set in stone; we review them every year.
Common mistake
Incorrect: The plan is not set on stone.
Correct: The plan is not set in stone.
More idioms about nature
- a big fish in a small pondan important person, but only in a small group or place
- a bird's-eye viewa view of something from high above
- a breath of fresh airsomeone or something new and different that makes a situation more pleasant
- a dark horsea person with hidden talents, or a competitor nobody expected to do well
- a drop in the oceana very small amount compared with what is needed