stereotyped; invariable; like clockwork
Describes something that is always the same, predictable, or lacking individuality, as if stamped with a seal. Often used for routines, responses, or patterns that never change.
彼の毎日のスケジュールは判で押したようだ。
His daily schedule is like clockwork.
判で押したような返事しか返ってこなかった。
I only got back a stereotyped reply.
Literally 'like stamped with a seal', from 判 (seal) + で (with) + 押した (pressed) + よう (like). The expression evokes the image of identical impressions made by a personal stamp, implying uniformity and lack of change.