old habit
I used to bite my nails, but I’ve broken that old habit.
The speaker refers to a behavior they had in the past and have since stopped.
a behavior or action that someone used to do regularly in the past
Smoking used to be an old habit of mine, but I quit last year.
The speaker describes a past behavior they have changed.
She’s trying to get rid of her old habit of procrastinating.
The speaker refers to a persistent past behavior they wish to change.
Often implies the behavior is no longer practiced or is being addressed.
Collocations
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Avoid confusion with 'old habits die hard'
This phrase is a standalone idiom meaning behaviors are hard to change. Do not confuse it with the literal meaning of 'old habit'.
Gold Rule
Use 'old habit' for past behaviors
Reserve this phrase for behaviors someone used to do regularly but no longer does or is trying to stop.
Contrast with 'new habit'
Use 'old habit' to describe past actions and 'new habit' to describe recent changes.
Word Origin
From Old English 'eald' (old) and Latin 'habitus' (condition, practice), via Old French 'habit' (custom). The phrase emerged in Middle English as a way to describe behaviors ingrained over time.
Usage Notes
The phrase is typically used to describe behaviors that are no longer practiced or are being actively changed. It carries a neutral or slightly negative connotation, often implying the behavior was undesirable or needed to be stopped.