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second nature
noun
- 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
noun
- a habit, characteristic, etc, not innate but so long practised or acquired as to seem so
Word History and Origins
Origin of second nature1
Idioms and Phrases
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.Example Sentences
"It’s become second nature now to me and I can deal with the nerves and responsibility."
"It’s actually strangely comfortable. It’s like second nature, if anything."
So when it came to football, the hard work was second nature.
“It’s constant — it’s become second nature. That’s been great so far and I’m just excited to see where we can take it.”
The team was so familiar with each other that it was almost second nature when they walked out to the middle.
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
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