THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
Set in stone
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
Fixed and very difficult or impossible to change.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- The timetable is not set in stone; we can change the afternoon session.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.
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Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
The timetable is not ________; we can change the afternoon session.
Show the answer
Set in stone — Fixed and very difficult or impossible to change.
Try your own sentence (optional)
Make it yours
Write one sentence using “Set in stone” about your own life.
Check your sentence
Does your sentence match this meaning?
Fixed and very difficult or impossible to change.
Compare: The timetable is not set in stone; we can change the afternoon session.
Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.
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More ways to understand and use it
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When to use it
Use it about plans, rules or decisions. The negative form is useful when reassuring someone that a plan is still flexible.
More examples in context
- Once the invitations are printed, the date will feel set in stone.
- These targets are not set in stone and will be reviewed next month.
Usage note
“Not set in stone” means open to change. It does not mean there is no plan at all. Carved in stone is a useful variation.
A short conversation
A: Can we move the meeting to Thursday?
B: Yes, the date is not set in stone.
A: I will check that Thursday suits everyone.
One more practice question
If a plan is not set in stone, what is true?
A. It can still be changed.
B. It can never be altered.
Check your answer
A. The negative form indicates flexibility.
Related lessons
Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.