ENGLISH
REFERENCE

die hard

idiom
Meaning

Of a living being, to die only after a desperate struggle for life.


Examples
SIMPLE

Old habits die hard for most people.

CONTEXTUAL

The captain refused to leave his sinking ship, proving that old loyalties die hard.

COMPLEX

Despite the rapid modernization of the city, the ancient traditions of the local villagers die hard, persisting through every generation.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    bone hard

    As hard as a bone, rock hard.

  2. 02

    cold hard cash

    Money, regarded as an incentive that can override any doubts or ethical concerns.

  3. 03

    cross my heart and hope to die

    Added to a promise or a statement to show how serious one was about being honest in what one said

  4. 04

    die a thousand deaths

    To suffer repeatedly (often mentally rather than physically); to suffer extreme embarrassment or anxiety.

  5. 05

    die down

    To become less virulent or strong; to subside.

  6. 06

    die in harness

    Of a person, to pass away before retirement.

  7. 07

    die on one's arse

    To fail completely.

  8. 08

    die on the vine

    To fail at an early stage or never come to fruition, typically due to neglect, infeasibility, or lack of resources.

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