PhrasesHub

Old habits die hard

    Definitions

      • difficult to change behavior
        Describes the challenge of breaking a long-standing or ingrained habit, suggesting that it is not easily overcome and may persist even when consciously trying to change it.

      • deeply ingrained behavior
        Implies that a habit or pattern of behavior has been established over a long period of time and is deeply ingrained in a person's character, making it difficult to alter or eliminate.

    Examples of Old habits die hard

    • Despite quitting smoking over a year ago, Sarah still catches herself reaching for a cigarette in moments of stress. The old habit of smoking has been difficult for her to completely break.

      The phrase "old habits die hard" means that it can be challenging to change long-standing behaviors or routines. In Sarah's case, smoking was a habit she had for a long time, and even after quitting, the urge to smoke in times of stress persists. This idiom is commonly used to describe the difficulty of breaking a long-standing habit.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "old habits die hard" is commonly used to describe a behavior or habit that is difficult to change. It implies that the behavior has been established over a long period of time and is deeply ingrained in a person's character. This phrase is often used in a cautionary or warning context, advising against trying to break the habit as it may prove to be a challenging and lengthy process.

    Origin of "Old habits die hard"

    The origin of this idiom can be traced back to a 19th century adage which stated, "custom is a second nature." This suggests that habits and behaviors become so ingrained in a person that they become almost natural and difficult to change. Over time, this adage evolved into the modern idiom "old habits die hard" which is still used today.

    The phrase gained widespread popularity in the 20th century and has been used in various forms of media, including literature, film, and music. It has become a common idiomatic expression to describe the challenge of trying to change deeply ingrained behaviors. The idiom has also been adapted and used in different languages around the world, highlighting its universal meaning and relatability.