cut and dried

Definition

Simple, straightforward, clear, or certain.

Etymology

First use appears c. 1643. Derives from herbs being cut and dried for sale, rather than fresh.

Example Sentences

• "Take care when guessing, since problems do not always have cut-and-dried answers."
• "But if I had not taken things for granted, if I had examined everything with the care which I should have shown had we approached the case de novo and had no cut-and-dried story to warp my mind, should I not then have found something more definite to go upon?"
• "Willy: […] In those days there was personality in it. There was respect, and comradeship, and gratitude in it. Today, it's all cut and dried, and there's no chance for bringing friendship to bear—or personality."