set in concrete

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.

See also: concrete, set

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.

See also: concrete, set

Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012