cut-and-dried
Settled in advance
Cut-and-dried describes something settled in advance, leaving no room for discussion or variation.
A cut-and-dried answer is predetermined; a cut-and-dried case presents no complications.
The phrase suggests matters already decided, like herbs cut and dried for storage rather than fresh and growing.
The solution seemed cut-and-dried, but complications emerged.
Made permanent and complete
- resolvedFirmly decided upon
- conclusiveEnding all debate
- definiteClearly established, not vague
- determinedFirmly committed to purpose
fixed · decided · agreed · binding · ratified · stipulated · specified · predetermined
Regular sequence of actions
- predictableAble to be foreseen
- standardizedMade uniform across cases
- methodicalOrganized and deliberate
- proceduralFollowing set steps
boilerplate · textbook · systematic · prescribed · by-the-book · paint-by-numbers · stock · conventional
Lacking edge or interest
- boringFailing to engage interest
- staleNo longer fresh
- blandLacking distinctive qualities
- uninspiredLacking creative spark
lifeless · unoriginal · hackneyed · trite · clichéd · prosaic · humdrum · pedestrian
finalized
Made permanent and complete
- resolvedFirmly decided upon
- conclusiveEnding all debate
- definiteClearly established, not vague
determined · fixed · decided · agreed · binding · ratified · stipulated · specified · predetermined · prearranged
routine
Regular sequence of actions
- predictableAble to be foreseen
- standardizedMade uniform across cases
- methodicalOrganized and deliberate
procedural · boilerplate · textbook · systematic · prescribed · by-the-book · paint-by-numbers · stock · conventional · orthodox
dull
Lacking edge or interest
uninspired · lifeless · unoriginal · hackneyed · trite · clichéd · prosaic · humdrum · pedestrian · ordinary
cut-and-driedunsettled
Not yet resolved
up in the air · uncertain · undecided · unresolved · open-ended
cut-and-driedspontaneous
Arising without external cause
original · creative · innovative · fresh · imaginative