hard and fast
Allowing no exceptions
Hard and fast describes rules or distinctions that are rigid and absolute, allowing no exceptions or flexibility: There are no hard and fast rules about when to use a comma.
The phrase comes from nautical usage, where a ship run aground is said to be hard and fast—stuck firmly in place and unable to move.
Legally or morally required
- absoluteTotal, without qualification
- definitiveSettling a question finally
- unequivocalAllowing one meaning only
- explicitClearly and directly expressed
non-negotiable · enforceable · ironclad · inviolable · categorical · unconditional · mandatory · compulsory
Clearly established, not vague
- conclusiveEnding all debate
- decisiveQuick to conclude
- unquestionableCannot be challenged
- indisputableImpossible to contest
undeniable · incontrovertible · irrefutable · settled · final · determined · confirmed · assured
Unable to bend
- unchangeableImpossible to modify
- immutableIncapable of being changed
- unyieldingRefusing to give way
- unbendingRefusing to change position
uncompromising · adamant · steadfast · firm · resolute · unwavering · intransigent · obdurate
binding
Legally or morally required
- absoluteTotal, without qualification
- definitiveSettling a question finally
- unequivocalAllowing one meaning only
explicit · non-negotiable · enforceable · ironclad · inviolable · categorical · unconditional · mandatory · compulsory · obligatory
definite
Clearly established, not vague
- conclusiveEnding all debate
- decisiveQuick to conclude
- unquestionableCannot be challenged
indisputable · undeniable · incontrovertible · irrefutable · settled · final · determined · confirmed · assured · guaranteed
inflexible
Unable to bend
- unchangeableImpossible to modify
- immutableIncapable of being changed
- unyieldingRefusing to give way
unbending · uncompromising · adamant · steadfast · firm · resolute · unwavering · intransigent · obdurate · unalterable
hard and fastflexible
Able to bend freely
negotiable · loose · bendable · elastic · malleable
hard and fasttentative
Uncertain and provisional
provisional · subject to change · indefinite · vague · fuzzy
hard, fast, fasten, harden, hardship, hardware, hardness, hardened, fastening