The Most Helpful Idioms With Meaning and Examples. Topic – Old Fashioned

Behind the times: Outdated or not keeping up with current trends. Example: His flip phone makes him seem a bit behind the times in today’s smartphone era.

Dinosaurs in the digital age: People or things that are outdated in the modern technological world. Example: Printed encyclopedias are like dinosaurs in the digital age.

Stick in the mud: Someone who is resistant to change or new ideas. Example: The old manager is a stick in the mud, reluctant to embrace new workplace practices.

Old hat: Outdated or no longer in style. Example: Vinyl records are considered old hat; most people stream music now.

Dusty old chestnut: A familiar and overused phrase or idea. Example: The motivational speaker relied on the dusty old chestnut of “think outside the box” during the presentation.

Moss-covered: Something that has been around for a very long time. Example: The moss-covered building was a reminder of the city’s rich history.

Out of the ark: Extremely old-fashioned or outdated. Example: The fashion from the 1980s seems out of the ark compared to today’s trends.

Horse and buggy days: A reference to a time when horse-drawn carriages were common, indicating an old-fashioned era. Example: Talking about handwritten letters feels like horse and buggy days in the age of email.

Old wine in a new bottle: Something familiar or traditional presented in a new way. Example: The movie is essentially old wine in a new bottle, retelling a classic story with a modern twist.

Square peg in a round hole: Something or someone that does not fit in with current practices or ideas. Example: The traditional painting was a square peg in a round hole at the contemporary art exhibition.

Old guard: The older, more experienced members of a group or organization. Example: The old guard in the company provided stability during times of change.

Fossilized thinking: Having outdated or obsolete ideas. Example: The professor’s fossilized thinking hindered the adoption of innovative teaching methods.

Yesterday’s news: Something or someone that is no longer relevant or important. Example: In the fast-paced world of technology, last year’s smartphone is yesterday’s news.

Feather in one’s cap: An accomplishment or honor that is considered old-fashioned or outdated. Example: Winning a penmanship award may be a feather in one’s cap, but in today’s world, it’s digital communication that matters.

Outmoded: No longer in fashion or use. Example: The typewriter is outmoded technology; most people use computers for writing.

Antique as a relic: Very old or obsolete, like an ancient artifact. Example: The rotary phone is as antique as a relic in the age of smartphones.

Old as Methuselah: Extremely old; referencing a biblical figure who lived a long life. Example: The tradition of making handmade quilts is old as Methuselah in this family.

Museum piece: Something that belongs in a museum due to its age or rarity. Example: The black-and-white television set is a museum piece; nobody uses those anymore.

Neanderthal thinking: Holding primitive or outdated beliefs. Example: The opposition’s arguments were criticized as neanderthal thinking in the age of progress.

Vestige of the past: A remaining trace or evidence of something from the past. Example: The manual typewriter is a vestige of the past, replaced by modern word processors.

Out of touch: Unaware of or unfamiliar with current trends or ideas. Example: The politician seemed out of touch with the concerns of the younger generation.

Stone age technology: Extremely primitive or outdated technology. Example: Using a pager in today’s world is like relying on stone age technology.

Old fogey: An old-fashioned or conservative person. Example: Some consider him an old fogey because he still prefers handwritten letters.

Obsolete as a dodo: Completely outdated or no longer in existence. Example: Fax machines are becoming as obsolete as a dodo in the era of email.

Bygone era: A period of time that has passed and is no longer present. Example: The manual typewriter belongs to a bygone era; now we have sleek laptops.

Living in the past: Having a strong attachment to past experiences or memories. Example: The elderly couple sometimes seems to be living in the past, reminiscing about their youth.

Old timer: A person who has been around for a long time. Example: The old timer in the neighborhood shared stories of how the town has changed.

Dot the i’s and cross the t’s: Following traditional and meticulous methods, sometimes considered old-fashioned. Example: In the era of digital editing, she still prefers to dot the i’s and cross the t’s with a pen.

Wear the laurel: To rest on past achievements, often seen as old-fashioned. Example: He used to wear the laurel of being a top athlete, but now he focuses on mentoring younger competitors.

Old world charm: Attractiveness and appeal associated with the past. Example: The bed and breakfast exuded old world charm with its antique furniture and Victorian decor.