ENGLISH
REFERENCE

old wine in a new bottle

idiom
Meaning

An existing concept or institution offered as though it were a new one.


Origin

disputed origin

A reference to the parable of Jesus of New Wine into Old Wineskins, Matthew 9:14–17, Mark 2:21–22, and Luke 5:33–39.

Examples
SIMPLE

This new plan is just old wine in a new bottle.

CONTEXTUAL

The company rebranded their old software, but it is really just old wine in a new bottle.

COMPLEX

Critics argued that the politician's latest policy proposal was merely old wine in a new bottle, offering no real solutions to the underlying economic crisis.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    any old nook or cranny

    Alternative form of any nook or cranny.

  2. 02

    bad old days

    The past, seen as a time when things were worse.

  3. 03

    big old

    Emphatically or impressively big; really big.

  4. 04

    bottle away

    To store up or stock up.

  5. 05

    bottle up

    To keep suppressed and hidden.

  6. 06

    chip off the old block

    Someone who takes after one of their parents; (generally) a person similar to another.

  7. 07

    come the old soldier

    Often followed by with: to deceive, impose upon, or take advantage of someone, as if exploiting one's superior age or experience.

  8. 08

    dawn of a new day

    A new beginning; a fresh start; an important, promising turning point.

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