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cement

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be cast in cement

To be firmly or permanently established; to be unalterable or not subject to change. The healthcare law looks promising, but we'll have to wait until it's cast in cement before we know exactly what it will do.

See also: cast, cement

be set in cement

To be firmly or permanently established; to be unalterable or not subject to change. The healthcare law looks promising, but we'll have to wait until it's set in cement before we know exactly what it will do.

See also: cement, set

set in cement

Firmly or permanently established; not subject to change; unalterable. The healthcare law looks promising, but we'll have to wait until it's set in cement before we know exactly what it will do.

See also: cement, set

set (something) in cement

To establish something firmly or permanently; to make something unalterable or not subject to change. The healthcare law looks promising, but we'll have to wait until Congress sets it in cement before we know exactly what it will do.

See also: cement, set

cement something on(to) something

 and cement something on

to fasten something onto something with glue or household cement. Cement this handle back onto the cup. Now, cement on the other handle. I will cement it on for you.

See also: cement, on

cement something together

to fasten something together with glue or household cement. Use this stuff to cement the vase together. Will you cement these parts together?

See also: cement, together

could talk under water

  (Australian informal) also could talk under wet cement (Australian informal)

someone who could talk under water has a lot to say in any situation Most of our guests were very quiet, but Harry could talk under water, so he kept the conversation going.

See also: could, talk, water

in cement

Firmly settled or determined; unalterable. For example, Their policy on taxes was set in cement despite opposition. For a synonym, see cast in stone.

See also: cement

cement city

n. a cemetery. I’m too young to end up in cement city.

See also: cement, city

in cement

Firmly settled or determined; unalterable: The administration's position on taxes was set in cement despite the unfavorable public response.

See also: cement