🐕 Teach an Old Dog New Tricks: The Ageless Art of Learning
Definition
“Teaching an old dog new tricks” is a common saying that purports the difficulty, if not the impossibility, of teaching someone new skills or changing their habits, especially when they’re older. It’s often used in a seemingly pessimistic manner but holds a more neutral tone on reflection, as change and adaptation aren’t age-exclusive phenomena.
Synonyms and Similar Expressions
- Old habits die hard
Again emphasizing the challenge of breaking long-held patterns. - You can’t teach an old horse new tricks
Just swap the canine for an equine, same principle (don’t try to actually teach horses tricks without professional help though). - Once bitten, twice shy
Older folks tend to err caution due to their past experiences.
Antonyms
- You’re never too old to learn
A positive twist advocating lifelong learning. - A rolling stone gathers no moss
Relates movement or change with lack of stagnation.
Related Proverbs and Idioms
- Better late than never
Even if late, learning or adapting is worthwhile. - A leopard can’t change its spots
Nature and inherent traits are hard to negate or transform.
Humor-Filled Quotes
- “Dogs’ lives are too short. Their only fault, really.” — Agnes Sligh Turnbull
(Yes, but you’d be amazed how much they learn within those short lives!) - “Old age comes at a bad time.” — San Banducci
(Speak for yourself, some feel getting older comes with all sorts of quirky wisdom…)
Literature, Books, Songs, Poetry, Movies
- Book: “You Can’t Teach an Old Dog New Tricks” by Leonard J Kelly, literally a book mixing humor and life lessons.
- Poem: “How Sparingly the Ages Go” by Emily Dickinson, emphasizing the passage of time.
- Movie: “The Intern” - where an elderly man proves learning and adaptation don’t come with an expiration date.
- Song: “Learning to Fly” by Tom Petty - a metaphorical testament to continuous personal evolution.
💡 Inspirational Thought:
“While the phrase suggests reluctance in change, remember that not only can an old dog learn new tricks; oftentimes these tricks are hugely enriched by the experiences age brings.”
### Which of these is a genuine saying?
- [x] You’re never too old to learn
- [ ] Baking bread with old shoes
- [ ] Riding a cow to the moon
- [ ] Smiling like a somber camel
> **Explanation:** "You’re never too old to learn" asserts that acquisition of new skills or knowledge isn't hindered by age, while the rest are nonsensical fabrications.
### True or False: 'Old habits die hard' is a proverb
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** True. "Old habits die hard" illustrates that ingrained behaviors or routines are particularly difficult to alter.
### Which phrase implies difficulty in teaching adults new skills?
- [x] Teach an old dog new tricks
- [ ] Jumping over puddles with elephants
- [ ] Dying wool green for holidays
- [ ] Winking at storm clouds
> **Explanation:** "Teach an old dog new tricks" metaphorically highlights the difficulty of making older individuals acquire new skills or habits. The other options are merely flights of fancy.
💭 Until next time, rest in the knowledge that no matter the age, one can forever be young at heart when embracing curiosity and adventure.
W. T. Wittywords 🗓 Published: October 3, 2023
