set in one's ways
Driven by habit; inclined or determined to continue according to one's custom or established preferences.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“My grandfather is very set in his ways.”
“He refuses to try new technology because he is too set in his ways.”
“Although the younger staff proposed innovative changes, the manager remained too set in his ways to consider any departure from established protocols.”
- 01
a little of something goes a long way
Only a small amount of something is usually required to produce a great effect.
- 02
abound in one's own sense
To follow one’s own inclinations and opinions.
- 03
ace up one's sleeve
A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.
- 04
act one's age
To behave in a manner appropriate to one's age.
- 05
act one's age, not one's shoe size
Synonym of act one's age (“to behave in a mature manner; to avoid being childish”).
- 06
afraid of one's own shadow
Exceptionally timid.
- 07
air one's dirty laundry in public
To reveal one's sordid secrets to the public.
- 08
air one's dirty linen in public
Synonym of air one's dirty laundry in public.
Last updated August 10, 2026