Idiom

Teach An Old Dog New Tricks

It is really difficult to change someone's habits or acquiring new skills.

For example, "Laura keeps underlining everything she reads instead of focusing in the most important parts. It's hard to teach an old dog new tricks". Laura underlines everything, she should only underline what is important for her next exam.

Another example is: "Kevin's grandfather finds it hard to learn a new language. I know teaching an old dog new tricks is impossible, but he has to try!". Kevin's grandfather has difficulties and it is hard for him to learn something new.

This idiom comes from its literal meaning: to be difficult to teach an old dog new tricks. The first book with a quote very similar to this one has been around since the early 1500s.

Do you know any other idioms about 'dogs'? Here's one: 'To Let Sleeping Dogs Lie'. For example, "I think it's better to let sleeping dogs lie. He doesn't need to hear that now, he's had enough bad news".

The Grass Is Always Greener On The Other Side

It means that something or somewhere else is more desirable than what you have or where you are at the moment, but in reality it is often not that much better. It used for when you think you would be happier For example, you could say “John: My job is so terrible, I wish I had my own business. Hugo: I’m not to sure if you have your own business there is so much work. The grass is always greener on the other side.” Or “I sometimes think that I would be happier working in China. Oh well, the grass is always greener on the other side!”

People always think they would be happier in a different set of circumstances.

Have you heard this phrase?