hard-and-fast

[hahrd-n-fast, -fahst] / ˈhɑrd nˈfæst, -ˈfɑst /

ADJECTIVE

strict

Synonyms

WEAK

absolute binding carved in stone compulsory conclusive decisive dictated exacting final inflexible irrevocable mandatory set set in concrete unalterable unbending written

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

hard-and-fast

But he said that it’s not clear whether this is a hard-and-fast rule.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 4, 2026

Some mainly cover hard-and-fast rules, hand signals and proper field positions.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 14, 2026

This is why the broadcast limit is not really a hard-and-fast limit.

From BBC ● Mar. 30, 2026

It’s not a hard-and-fast rule because that would be wrong too.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 18, 2026

While there are only ten hard-and-fast laws to the Scythedom, there are many accepted conventions.

From "Scythe" by Neal Shusterman