# same old story

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/same-old-story
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

What usually happens; an occurrence that is tediously familiar.

## Examples

- My car broke down again, the same old story.
- He promised to arrive on time, but he was late again, which is the same old story.
- Despite his repeated promises of reform, the politician failed to deliver, proving it was merely the same old story of broken pledges and empty rhetoric.

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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.