PhrasesHub

Hard and fast

    Definitions

      • inflexible
        Describing a rule, plan, or decision that is strict and cannot be changed

      • firmly established
        Referring to something that is firmly fixed or established and not likely to change

    Examples of Hard and fast

    • The coach insisted that the team follow a strict training regimen hard and fast, with no exceptions or leniency given.

      This idiom is used to indicate that something is strict and unyielding, with no room for flexibility or compromise. In this example, the coach is demanding that the team adhere rigidly to their training routine, with no deviations or exceptions allowed.

    • The accountant presented the financial report hard and fast, with all the numbers and figures clearly laid out and without any ambiguity or errors.

      Here, the idiom is used to convey that the financial report was presented in a very precise and exact manner, with no guesswork or uncertainty.

    • The lawyer argued his case hard and fast, making a strong and persuasive argument without any hesitation or weakness in his argument.

      This example shows that the lawyer presented his case in a very firm and assertive manner, with a clear and unwavering argument.

    • The CEO announced the new strategy for the company hard and fast, with a clear and resolute statement of intention.

      In this example, the CEO is demonstrating a strong and decisive approach to implementing a new strategy, with a confident and unequivocal statement of intent.

    • The CEO demanded that we stick to the marketing strategy hard and fast in order to meet our sales goals.

      This is an example of the idiom "hard and fast" being used to describe something that needs to be executed in a strict, unyielding, and uncompromising manner. In this case, the CEO is insisting that the marketing strategy be followed strictly and without deviation in order to achieve the desired sales results.

    • His opinion on the matter was hard and fast, leaving no room for negotiation or compromise.

      In this example, "hard and fast" is being used to describe a strong and inflexible opinion. This opinion is being communicated in a way that leaves no room for negotiation or compromise, as it is being presented as an unyielding and unchangeable position.

    • The agreement between the two parties was hard and fast from the outset, leaving little room for interpretation or dissent.

      This example illustrates how "hard and fast" is sometimes used to describe something that is clear and unambiguous from the outset. In this case, the agreement is being presented as being very specific and unyielding, leaving little room for interpretation or disagreement.

    • She insisted that the rules be followed hard and fast, with no exceptions or exemptions.

      This final example shows how "hard and fast" can be used to describe a strict adherence to rules and procedures. In this case, the person being described is demanding that the rules be followed with no exceptions or exemptions, reinforcing the idea that these rules are being presented as unyielding and inflexible.


    Conclusion

    "Hard and fast" is an idiom that is used to describe something that is inflexible or firmly established. It can refer to a strict rule or decision that cannot be changed, or to something that is firmly fixed and not likely to change. This idiom is often used in a literal sense, to describe physical objects, but can also be used in a figurative sense, to describe rules or principles.

    Origin of "Hard and fast"

    The origin of the idiom "hard and fast" can be traced back to the 15th century, when it was used to describe ships that were firmly fixed in place, often by being grounded or anchored. Over time, the idiom came to be used more broadly, to describe anything that was firmly established or inflexible. The use of "hard" to mean firm or unyielding and "fast" to mean firmly fixed or secure can be seen in other idiomatic expressions as well, such as "hold fast" or "stuck fast." Overall, the origin of "hard and fast" reflects the idea of something being firmly anchored or fixed in place, and this has carried over into its modern usage.