Difference between Hard-and-fast and Strict

Hard-and-fast

Part of speech: adjective

Definition: strictly enforced (as of rules)

Strict

Part of speech: adjective

Definition: Strained; drawn close; tight; as, a strict embrace; a strict ligature.Tense; not relaxed; as, a strict fiber.Exact; accurate; precise; rigorously nice; as, to keep strict watch; to pay strict attention.Governed or governing by exact rules; observing exact rules; severe; rigorous; as, very strict in observing the Sabbath.Rigidly interpreted; exactly limited; confined; restricted; as, to understand words in a strict sense.Upright, or straight and narrow; — said of the shape of the plants or their flower clusters.Severe in discipline.

Example sentence: I have always found that mercy bears richer fruits than strict justice.