baan2 soeng6 deng1 deng1板上釘釘板上钉钉
Jyutpingbaan2 soeng6 deng1 deng1
Yalebáan seuhng dēng dēng
Definition
Cast in stone; already decided and impossible to change.
colloquialdescriptions
How it's used
This idiom implies a sense of finality and absolute certainty, often used when a decision has been officially made or a situation has reached a point of no return. It carries a slightly formal or emphatic tone compared to everyday speech, making it effective for stressing that further debate is futile. It is frequently applied to business agreements, project plans, or firm commitments.
Examples
This matter is already set in stone, no need to discuss it further.
You thought it was set in stone, who knew it would change at the last minute?
Related words
Common phrases
an indisputable fact
already set in stone
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simply saying something is true or correct, as the focus here is specifically on the inability to reverse or alter a decision. It is an idiomatic expression rather than a literal description of a physical action.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
