old habits die hard

[ ohld hab-its dahy hahrd ]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of old habits die hard¹

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

Two reality-check losses have shown old habits die hard.

From Los Angeles Times

“Old habits die hard, and traditions are really sacred. These college programs, they’re older than most pro teams. You have such fervent loyal, passionate, engaged fans. There’s definitely a segment of fan bases at some schools that have some pause.”

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Seattle Times

“At first, Terry declined the invitation to participate in the heist. But old habits die hard, and the thought of a ‘final score’ kept him up at night,” DeKrey wrote.

From Seattle Times

"At first, Terry declined the invitation to participate in the heist. But old habits die hard, and the thought of a 'final score' kept him up at night," Mr DeKrey wrote.

From BBC