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

“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

Still, parking is a low-margin business, and old habits die hard, even in a time of scarcity.

From Slate • Jul. 27, 2023

Still, every once in a while, I can't help checking in — old habits die hard — despite the horrors I saw there while gathering material for my book.

From Salon • Jan. 2, 2023

But old habits die hard, not to mention long-held perceptions about what constitutes an awards-worthy program and performance.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 23, 2020

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

From "Dread Nation" by Justina Ireland