hard and fast

H

hard and fast (idioms)
/ˈhɑrd ənd fæst/

Meaning

• Refers to rules or standards that are strictly defined, fixed, and not open to interpretation or flexibility.
• Describes something rigidly established or not subject to change, often applied to laws, guidelines, or principles.
• Denotes a clear and definite boundary, distinction, or guideline that cannot be altered or debated.

The phrase “hard and fast” is closely tied to the term “hard and fast rule”, as the latter is a specific application of the idiom. Both emphasize strictness and immutability, but while “hard and fast” can describe anything rigid or unchanging (like principles, boundaries, or standards), “hard and fast rule” refers specifically to rules or guidelines that are absolute and leave no room for flexibility or exceptions.

Example Sentences

1. The company’s policies are hard and fast, leaving no room for exceptions.
2. There isn’t always a hard and fast line between right and wrong.
3. She preferred not to make hard and fast decisions without consulting her team.
4. The rules of the game are not hard and fast, so feel free to improvise.
5. He believed in hard and fast ethics, never compromising his principles.
6. The judge stressed that the law was a hard and fast rule, allowing no room for interpretation or flexibility.

Origin and History

The phrase “hard and fast” is believed to have originated from nautical terminology. In maritime contexts, a ship described as “hard and fast” was one that had run aground and was firmly stuck on land, unable to move. This usage emphasizes the idea of being firmly fixed in place, a concept that later transitioned into more figurative applications.

Earliest Recorded Usage

The Oxford English Dictionary cites the earliest known use of “hard and fast” around 1380. This early usage indicates that the term has been part of the English language for several centuries, evolving in meaning over time.

Evolution into Figurative Language

By the mid-19th century, “hard and fast” had evolved from its literal nautical meaning to a more figurative sense. It began to describe rules or principles that were firmly established and not subject to change. For instance, in an 1867 speech in the House of Commons, a member stated, “The House has…determined to have no hard and fast line,” illustrating the term’s application to rigid boundaries or guidelines.

Alternative Theories and Speculations

While the nautical origin is widely accepted, some speculate alternative beginnings for the phrase. One theory suggests that “hard and fast” could have emerged from early printing practices, where setting type “hard” (firmly) and “fast” (securely) ensured clear and consistent impressions. However, there is limited evidence to support this connection.

Synonyms

1. set in stone
2. written in stone
3. carved in granite
4. strict

Variants

• hard-and-fast
• hard & fast

Hard