Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
old-chestnut-hoary-chestnut
noun
/oʊld ˈʧɛstnʌt ˈhɔːri ˈʧɛstnʌt/
Definition
An expression or tale that has been repeated so often that it has become trite or unoriginal.
Examples
- Despite being an old-chestnut-hoary-chestnut, the joke still made the audience laugh.
- When he told that same story again, I couldn’t help but roll my eyes at the old-chestnut-hoary-chestnut.
Meaning
The term refers to a story or phrase that is well-known and often used, to the point where it loses its novelty and impact, often evoking a sense of annoyance or weariness among listeners.
Synonyms
- cliché
- platitude
- banality
- repetition
