PhrasesHub

Stuck fast

    Definitions

      • unable to move
        Describing a situation where something is firmly secured in place and cannot be easily moved

      • unable to progress
        Referring to a situation where someone is unable to make progress or move forward in a particular endeavor or challenge

    Examples of Stuck fast

    • "The snow had stuck fast to the ground, making it almost impossible to walk without slipping."

      In this example, "stuck fast" is used as a verb and is followed by an object, "the snow". It means that the snow had adhered strongly to the ground and wasn't going to come off easily, making it difficult to move around as the surface would be slippery.

    • "The letter seemed to be stuck fast in the mailbox, and no matter how hard I tugged at it, it wouldn't come out."

      Here, "stuck fast" is used as a phrasal verb, and is followed by an object, "the letter". It means that the letter was firmly lodged in the mailbox and couldn't be dislodged easily even with a lot of effort.

    • "His mind seemed to be stuck fast in a rut, and he was unwilling or unable to consider any other perspective."

      In this example, "stuck fast" is used to describe a mental state. It means that the person's mind was fixed on a certain idea or viewpoint, and it was almost impossible to change or shift their perspective.

    • "The paint had stuck fast to the surface, and the artwork was more vibrant and long-lasting than I had anticipated."

      Here, "stuck fast" is used to describe how the paint adhered to the surface. It means that the paint didn't peel or flake off easily, and it provided a strong and long-lasting finish to the artwork.

    • The glue on the envelope was stuck fast, refusing to release the document inside no matter how hard I tried to peel it off.

      This idiom is used when something is attached tightly and cannot be removed easily. 'Stuck fast' in this example highlights the difficulty in removing the envelope's contents, emphasizing the strength or effectiveness of the glue used.

    • The mud on my shoes was stuck fast, caked on like a second layer of leather.

      In this example, 'stuck fast' is used to describe how the mud adhered to my shoes tightly and persistently, making it challenging to remove and leaving a visible residue behind.

    • The fog had rolled in and was stuck fast, obscuring the skyline and making it impossible to see beyond a few yards.

      Here, 'stuck fast' is used to depict the persistence of the fog, conveying how it has become a fixture in the environment, covering the landscape and negating visibility until it dissipates.

    • The boss's deadline was sticking fast, a looming threat that kept our entire department on edge.

      In this example, 'stuck fast' is used to emphasize the urgency and closeness of the deadline, underlining how it is rapidly approaching and its looming presence is causing a sense of urgency and anxiety amongst the team. This idiom helps to encapsulate the immediacy and intensity of the deadline as if it's a physical entity.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "stuck fast" is used to describe both physical and metaphorical situations where there is a sense of being firmly held in place or unable to make progress. It can be used to convey a feeling of being trapped or hindered in some way, whether it is due to physical immobility or a lack of progress in a particular task or goal.

    Origin of "Stuck fast"

    The origin of the idiom "stuck fast" can be traced back to the Old English word "stician," which means to pierce or to be fixed in place. Over time, the phrase "stuck fast" evolved to describe situations where something is firmly held or unable to move. The use of the word "fast" in this context refers to something being securely fixed or immovable. The idiom has been used in English language for centuries to convey the idea of being unable to move or make progress, and it continues to be a commonly used expression in modern language. An example of its usage can be found in the works of William Shakespeare, who used similar phrases to convey the idea of being firmly held or unable to progress.