# set in one's ways

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/set-in-ones-ways
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Driven by habit; inclined or determined to continue according to one's custom or established preferences.

## Examples

- 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.

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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.