be cast in concrete
To be firmly or permanently established; to be unalterable or not subject to change. The healthcare law looks promising, but we'll have to wait until it's cast in concrete before we know exactly what it will do. Keep in mind that these blueprints are not cast in concrete—they're just to give you a feel for the design. Nothing is cast in concrete, of course, but I do think you have a good shot at getting the job.
be set in concrete
To be definitely and permanently decided or planned. We might get brunch next weekend, but nothing is set in concrete yet. Keep in mind that these blueprints are not set in concrete—they're just to give you a feel for the design. Nothing is set in concrete, of course, but I do think you have a good shot at getting the job.
cast in concrete
Firmly or permanently established; not subject to change; unalterable. The healthcare law looks promising, but we'll have to wait until it's cast in concrete before we know exactly what it will do. The deal isn't yet cast in concrete, but we're confident it will go ahead as hoped. Keep in mind that these blueprints are not cast in concrete—they're just to give you a feel for the design.
concrete jungle
An overcrowded, unsafe, or crime-ridden urban environment or city, characterized by the congestion of large buildings and roads. After years living in that concrete jungle, I'm looking forward to being in a place with a bit of grass and friendly neighbors. Uncle Dave lives on a farm—of course he hate going to the concrete jungle. You should have taken the train. Drivers just sit in traffic in the concrete jungle.
concrete overcoat
slang Concrete poured over a dead body, as to hide or dispose of it. Used primarily in films and literature describing the activities of gangsters. I gave that stool pigeon a concrete overcoat, boss—he won't be talking to the police ever again. That punk needs to get a concrete overcoat before he can testify in court, got it? I bet Ray went on the run because he knew he'd end up in a concrete overcoat if he stuck around here.
set (something) in concrete
To establish something firmly or permanently; to make something unalterable or not subject to change. The healthcare law looks promising, but we'll have to wait until Congress sets it in concrete before we know exactly what it will do.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
set in concrete
If a plan is set in concrete, it is fixed and cannot be changed. With expenditure plans now set in concrete for three years, slower growth would mean higher taxes. Note: You can also say that a plan is cast in concrete. But the sale conditions must be cast in concrete.
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012