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hard and fast

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hard and fast

Strictly or rigidly adhered to; strong, binding, and clearly defined. Used especially to describe rules. I have some hard and fast rules in my company; break them, and you're out of here. The duties you're responsible for are hard and fast, so don't become lax in your role.

See also: and, fast, hard

hard and fast

Defined, fixed, invariable, as in We have hard and fast rules for this procedure. This term originally was applied to a vessel that has come out of water, either by running aground or being put in dry dock, and is therefore unable to move. By the mid-1800s it was being used figuratively.

See also: and, fast, hard

hard and fast

Defined, fixed, and invariable: hard and fast rules.

See also: and, fast, hard