# die hard

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/die-hard
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

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

## Examples

- Old habits die hard for most people.
- The captain refused to leave his sinking ship, proving that old loyalties die hard.
- Despite the rapid modernization of the city, the ancient traditions of the local villagers die hard, persisting through every generation.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.