Master confusing words with ease
Cut and dried vs. Cut and dry
Cut and dried
/kʌt ənd draɪd/Examples:
His instructions were cut and dried, leaving no room for questions.The format for the event was cut and dried, with little room for deviations.They wanted an innovative approach, but her plan was too cut and dried.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Cut and dry
/kʌt ænd draɪ/Examples:
The proposal seemed cut and dry to everyone involved.Her plans for the event were quite cut and dry.The rules for the game were laid out in a cut and dry manner.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Ways to tell them apart:
- Cut and dried is the original expression, while cut and dry is a modern variation.
- The expression cut and dried is derived from the preparation of herbs, which are cut and allowed to dry before being used.
- A cut and dried situation means it's been decided and clear, just like herbs that have been prepared.
- Cut and dry is often used informally to mean the same thing, but it's considered less correct by some because it deviates from the original expression.
- Remember, if youre thinking of something being fully prepared and unchangeable, cut and dried' is your go-to phrase.
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