Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
you-can't-teach-an-old-dog-new-tricks
proverb
/juː kɑːnt tiːtʃ æn oʊld dɔːɡ nuː trɪks/
Definition
It is difficult to teach someone new skills or change their habits, especially if they are set in their ways.
Examples
- My grandfather still refuses to use a smartphone; you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.
- She tried to get her coworker to adapt to the new software, but you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.
- It’s tough to convince my dad to change his routine—after all, you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.
Meaning
This phrase suggests that older individuals are often resistant to learning new things or changing their long-established behaviors.
Synonyms
- Old habits die hard
- You can’t change someone
- A leopard can’t change its spots
