hard-and-fast

[ hahrd-n-fast, -fahst ]

adjective

1. strongly binding; not to be set aside or violated:

   hard-and-fast rules.

   Synonyms: unambiguous, rigorous, inviolable, inflexible, precise, fixed

hard and fast

adjective

1. hard-and-fast when prenominal (esp of rules) invariable or strict

Other Words From

• hard-and-fastness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of hard-and-fast¹

First recorded in 1865–70

Idioms and Phrases

Defined, fixed, invariable, as in We have hard and fast rules for this procedure . This term originally was applied to a vessel that has come out of water, either by running aground or being put in dry dock, and is therefore unable to move. By the mid-1800s it was being used figuratively.

Example Sentences

There’s no hard-and-fast rule about how long a jury must keep attempting to resolve differences before a mistrial can be declared.

From Seattle Times

The famed neuroscientist and author reaches through the abstract realm of academic debates on consciousness by climbing down a richly biographical thread, connecting the high-minded with hard-and-fast reality.

From Salon

“There are no hard-and-fast rules, only general guidelines and varied court decisions,” according to a digest by Stanford University librarians.

From Los Angeles Times

Whether Atlantic, chinook, sockeye, pink, coho or chum, sustainability depends on a variety of factors so there is no hard-and-fast rule.

From Salon

There are no hard-and-fast rules; Horning recommends two to three months, while Robinson thinks the longer the better.

From Washington Times