cut and dried
Fixed, no debate
Cut and dried describes something already decided, settled, or predetermined—leaving no room for interpretation or flexibility.
The phrase comes from the distinction between fresh herbs and those already cut and dried for storage.
A cut and dried answer admits no ambiguity.
The case seemed cut and dried until new evidence emerged.
Sometimes spelled cut-and-dried.
No longer in question
- establishedFormally set up
- agreedShared the same view
- finalizedMade permanent and complete
- resolvedFirmly decided upon
confirmed · fixed · decided · concluded · determined · prearranged · preset · foregone
Plainly evident, unmistakable
- straightforwardClear and uncomplicated
- definitiveSettling a question finally
- decisiveQuick to conclude
- unequivocalAllowing one meaning only
explicit · categorical · black-and-white · indisputable · conclusive · irrefutable · obvious · evident
Able to be foreseen
- routineRegular sequence of actions
- conventionalFollowing accepted practices
- standardizedMade uniform across cases
- mechanicalOperated by machinery
prosaic · unoriginal · stereotypical · boilerplate · by-the-book · textbook · stock · template
Failing to engage interest
- dullLacking edge or interest
- unimaginativeLacking creative originality
- staleNo longer fresh
- lifelessDevoid of animation
bland · dry · pedestrian · flat · lackluster · banal · humdrum · tedious
settled
No longer in question
- establishedFormally set up
- agreedShared the same view
- finalizedMade permanent and complete
resolved · confirmed · fixed · decided · concluded · determined · prearranged · preset · foregone · preordained
clear-cut
Plainly evident, unmistakable
- straightforwardClear and uncomplicated
- definitiveSettling a question finally
- decisiveQuick to conclude
unequivocal · explicit · categorical · black-and-white · indisputable · conclusive · irrefutable · obvious · evident · manifest
predictable
Able to be foreseen
- routineRegular sequence of actions
- conventionalFollowing accepted practices
- standardizedMade uniform across cases
mechanical · prosaic · unoriginal · stereotypical · boilerplate · by-the-book · textbook · stock · template · paint-by-numbers
boring
Failing to engage interest
- dullLacking edge or interest
- unimaginativeLacking creative originality
- staleNo longer fresh
lifeless · bland · dry · pedestrian · flat · lackluster · banal · humdrum · tedious · vapid
cut and driedunsettled
Not yet resolved
up in the air · open-ended · uncertain · undecided · unresolved
cut and driedambiguous
Having multiple interpretations
debatable · arguable · nuanced · complex · multifaceted
cut and driedspontaneous
Arising without external cause
improvised · fresh · original · dynamic · creative
cutting, dried, dryness, cuts, drying, cutter, drier, dries, cutters