Definify.com

Definition 2024


cut_and_dry

cut and dried

English

Alternative forms

Adjective

cut and dried (not comparable)

  1. (idiomatic) simple, straightforward, clear, or certain
    Take care when guessing, since problems do not always have cut-and-dried answers.
  2. (idiomatic) decided, set, settled, not open to change
  3. (idiomatic, obsolete) lacking freshness or spontaneity

Usage notes

In formal usage, the form cut and dried is more common than cut and dry, and the meaning is rather “settled” than “clear”, and mildly pejorative, following original usage and etymology. Sense of “clear, straightforward” may be influenced by clear cut, which may be preferred.

Synonyms

(clear, obvious):

See also

References