Old chestnut
Definitions
something that is repeated or known to be familiar
Referring to a joke, story, or piece of information that has been repeated so often that it has become tiresome or unoriginaldiscourage someone
Advise against engaging in a particular activity or task, cautioning that it will not result in any positive outcome or benefit
Examples of Old chestnut
"His old chestnut about saving money by bringing lunch to work every day has gotten really tiresome."
In this example, "old chestnut" is being used as an idiom to describe a topic or argument that has been repeatedly brought up and is now considered boring and overused ("chestnut" refers to a type of nut that is sometimes roasted and served as a snack). Here, the speaker is tired of hearing their colleague's suggestion to save money by packing a lunch, which they perceive as a stale and unoriginal idea.
"The old chestnut of 'this movie is too violent' is often raised by prudish critics who can't handle the realism of the scene."
In this example, "old chestnut" is being used to describe a commonly raised criticism of violent movies, which is seen as a clichéd and unimaginative complaint (again, "chestnut" implies that the critic's argument is outdated and unoriginal). The speaker suggests that such criticism is sometimes made in a prejudiced and narrow-minded manner.
"The old chestnut of 'I told you so' is a favorite among those who love to gloat over their predictions coming true."
In this example, "old chestnut" is being used to describe a phrase that is often uttered in a self-satisfied and triumphant manner when someone's prediction comes true (again, "chestnut" implies that this phrase has become overused and unoriginal). The speaker implies that this phrase is sometimes used to rub other people's noses in it, which can be distasteful and smug.
"The old chestnut of 'you're just like your father' is a classic example of a baseless and insulting generalization."
In this example, "old chestnut" is being used to describe a clichéd and insulting comment that is often made about someone's personality, based primarily (or solely) on their ancestry (again, "chestnut" implies that this comment is an outdated and stale stereotype). The speaker points out that this type of generalization is usually baseless and insulting.
The story about the ghostly white deer that roams the forest has been an old chestnut for decades. Every time someone brings it up, we all roll our eyes and groan.
"Old chestnut" refers to a tale or topic that has been repeated so often that it has become tiresome or cliché. In this example, the white deer story has been told and retold for a long time, to the point where people are bored with it.
During the meeting, my colleague brought up the same old chestnut of blaming the marketing team for the sales dip. It's a tired argument, and it's time we start looking for real solutions.
Here, "old chestnut" refers to the repetition of a worn-out argument or explanation. By presenting it as a chestnut, the speaker is implying that it's outdated and no longer valid.
The coach's insistence on running the same drills over and over again is getting old. We've heard it all before; it's an old chestnut.
Here, "old chestnut" is used to highlight the monotony and predictability of a situation. The repeated drills are becoming frustratingly familiar, and the speaker is suggesting that it's time for something new.
Every time we have a team-building exercise, it feels like we're doing an old chestnut. The trust fall, the blindfolded obstacle course, the trust circle...it's all been done.
In this final example, "old chestnut" is being used to express the feeling of familiarity and repetition. These team-building exercises are common and widely-used, and the speaker is growing tired of them.
Conclusion
The idiom "old chestnut" can be used to refer to something that is overused or familiar, as well as to discourage someone from pursuing a certain task or activity.In the first meaning, it is used to describe something that has become tired and unoriginal due to repetition. It can be used to express boredom or annoyance with something that is overly familiar or repeated.
In the second meaning, it is used to caution or advise against engaging in a particular activity or task, suggesting that it will not result in any positive outcome or benefit.
Overall, "old chestnut" is a versatile idiom that can be used in various contexts to convey a sense of familiarity or to discourage someone from pursuing a certain course of action.
Origin of "Old chestnut"
The origin of the idiom "old chestnut" can be traced back to the world of theatre. It is believed to have originated from the practice of actors and performers telling old, familiar jokes or stories during their performances. These jokes or stories became known as "chestnuts," and the term "old chestnut" was used to refer to a joke or story that had been repeated so often that it had become tiresome.
Over time, the idiom "old chestnut" has evolved to be used in a broader context beyond the world of theatre, and it is now commonly used in everyday language to describe anything that is overused or familiar. Its origins in the world of entertainment give it a colorful history and add to its rich usage in the English language.