old habits die hard

American  

[ohld hab-its dahy hahrd] / ˈoʊld ˈhæb ɪts ˈdaɪ ˈhɑrd /

idiom

1. (used when someone is finding it difficult to change a long-standing pattern of behavior).

   I still have to consciously work on slowing down when I eat—old habits die hard.

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Etymology

Origin of old habits die hard

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

old habits die hard

“But old habits die hard, and the thought of a ‘final score’ kept him up at night,” DeKrey wrote.

From Seattle Times ● Mar. 17, 2024

Yet Germany’s old habits die hard, judging by recent developments.

From Washington Post ● Apr. 27, 2022

Meanwhile, old habits die hard: The Ways and Means Committee wants to further sweeten the pot for electric automobiles.

From Slate ● Sep. 21, 2021

But old habits die hard, even when management is on the right side.

From Salon ● Apr. 3, 2021

It’s been her modus operandi since I met her, and old habits die hard.

From "Dread Nation" by Justina Ireland