When the new manager arrived, he didn't find the situation as cut and dried as he had expected.
English Idioms & idiomatic expressions. 2014.
cut and dried — adj a situation, decision, result etc that is cut and dried cannot now be changed ▪ I don t think the plan is as cut and dried as people think … Dictionary of contemporary English
cut-and-dried — adjective a decision, situation, or result that is cut and dried is clear and definite and cannot be changed … Usage of the words and phrases in modern English
cut and dried — If something is cut and dried, then everything has already been decided and, in the case of an opinion, might be a little stale and predictable … The small dictionary of idiomes
Cut and dried — Cut Cut (k[u^]t), a. 1. Gashed or divided, as by a cutting instrument. [1913 Webster] 2. Formed or shaped as by cutting; carved. [1913 Webster] 3. Overcome by liquor; tipsy. [Slang] [1913 Webster] {Cut and dried}, prepered beforehand; not… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
cut-and-dried — cut′ and dried′ or cut′ and dry′ adj. 1) cvb prepared or settled in advance; not needing much thought or discussion 2) cvb lacking in originality or spontaneity; routine • Etymology: 1700–10 … From formal English to slang
cut and dried — ► cut and dried (of a situation) completely settled. [ORIGIN: originally used to distinguish the herbs of herbalists shops from growing herbs.] Main Entry: ↑cut … English terms dictionary
cut-and-dried — adjective according to ordinary expectations • Syn: ↑cut and dry • Similar to: ↑ordinary * * * adjective also cut and dry | ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷| ̷ ̷ : in accordance with a plan, set procedure, or … Useful english dictionary
cut and dried — DEFINITE, decided, settled, explicit, specific, precise, unambiguous, clear cut, unequivocal, black and white, hard and fast. → cut * * * cut and dry or cut and dried 1. Ready made 2. Fixed beforehand, decided in advance • • • Main Entry: ↑cut… … Useful english dictionary
cut-and-dried — 1. if a decision or agreement is cut and dried, it is final and will not be changed. Although a deal has been agreed, it is not yet cut and dried. 2. if a subject, situation, or idea is cut and dried, it is clear and easy to understand. The human … New idioms dictionary
cut-and-dried — {adj. phr.} Decided or expected beforehand; following the same old line; doing the usual thing. * /The decision of the judge was cut and dried./ * /The ways of the king s court were cut and dried./ * /People at the convention heard many cut and… … Dictionary of American idioms
