second nature

American  

noun

1. an acquired habit or tendency in one's character that is so deeply ingrained as to appear automatic.

   Neatness is second nature to him.

---

second nature British  

noun

1. a habit, characteristic, etc, not innate but so long practised or acquired as to seem so

---

second nature Idioms  

1. A habit or mode of behavior so long practiced that it seems innate, as in Driving in heavy traffic is second nature to Chris. This expression is a shortened form of an ancient proverb, Custom (or usage) is a second nature, first recorded in 1390. It alludes to the fact that very frequently repeating something makes it seem completely natural or inborn.

---

Etymology

Origin of second nature

First recorded in 1655–65

Example Sentences

Ma had taken me in hand, pushing me to cook more complicated dishes, coaching me through the advanced sewing techniques that were second nature to her.

From Literature

But after a few seconds the translation became second nature to me.

From Literature

It eventually became second nature for her and the cast, she says.

From Los Angeles Times

He added: "We need more male role models out there, talking about it and normalising it, so that it becomes second nature to all of us."

From BBC

For example, cybersecurity training could teach simple, practiced routines and focus on creating habits, so that avoiding risky links becomes second nature.

From The Wall Street Journal