Habits & Routine: English Vocabulary List

used to suggest that changing deeply ingrained habits can be difficult due to the comfort and familiarity associated with them

"Old habits die hard."

"Despite his best intentions, he found that old habits die hard, making change a constant struggle."

used to suggest that negative or harmful habits can be particularly difficult to break or change, even when one knows they are harmful to one's well-being or success

"Bad habits die hard."

"He kept biting his nails under stress, proving once again that bad habits die hard, despite knowing it's unhealthy."

used to imply that habits or actions that are repeated frequently become automatic and require less conscious effort, emphasizing that people should be mindful of their habits

"Regular behaviour becomes part of your nature — habit is second nature."

"The daily routine had become entirely automatic — habit is second nature."

used to imply that some people repeat harmful behavior despite knowing it is harmful to their well-being or success, emphasizing the importance of learning from past mistakes

"The dog returns to vomit."

"Despite promising to quit gambling, he lost his savings again; the dog always returns to its vomit."

used to imply that a consistent sleep schedule, where one goes to bed early and wakes up early, can lead to increased productivity and overall well-being

"Sleep early and rise early — go to bed with the lamb and rise with the lark."

"She maintained the discipline of going to bed with the lamb and rising with the lark."

used to suggest that individuals should focus on their area of expertise or specialization, rather than attempting to do things they are not skilled at, to avoid the risk of failure

"Cobbler stick to last."

"She stayed in her area of expertise and avoided overreaching — let the cobbler stick to his last, focusing on what he knows."

used to suggest that someone who has a history of stealing or engaging in dishonest behavior is likely to continue doing so in the future, regardless of any attempts to change or reform

"Once a thief, always."

"His history made him ineligible regardless of his current claims — once a thief, always a thief, implying he would never change."