you can’t teach an old dog new tricks
Meaning
It’s difficult for people who are older or set in their ways to change or learn new methods.
Origin
The proverb compares human habits to training a dog: a young dog learns tricks more easily, while an older dog is thought to resist new training. It appears in English in the 1500s (recorded in John Heywood’s proverb collection).
Notes
Often mildly dismissive or humorous: it implies someone won’t change. It can sound ageist or rude if aimed directly at a person, so use carefully.
Examples
-
My dad still refuses to use a smartphone—he says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.
-
We tried switching her to a new accounting system, but you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.
-
He’s been driving the same way for forty years; you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.
-
I know you want Grandma to start online banking, but you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.
-
The coach wouldn’t change his strategy, insisting that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Fixed proverb. Often used as a standalone sentence or after a situation: “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” Variants include “can’t teach an old dog new trick,” and “(to) teach an old dog new tricks.”
Synonyms
- old habits die hard
- set in one’s ways
- hard to teach an old dog new tricks
Antonyms
- it’s never too late to learn
- you’re never too old to learn