Traditions anchor us to our roots and cultural heritage. This post explores 20 idioms that encapsulate the essence of tradition, offering a linguistic journey through practices that have stood the test of time.
Idioms That Describe Tradition
1. Old as the hills
Meaning: Extremely old and established.
Example: Our family recipe is old as the hills.
2. Set in stone
Meaning: Fixed and unchangeable, like traditional rules.
Example: These rules are set in stone.
3. Tried and true
Meaning: Tested and proven over time.
Example: This method is tried and true.
4. The old school
Meaning: Traditional or old-fashioned approaches.
Example: He prefers the old school techniques.
5. Time-honored
Meaning: Respected/traditional over many years.
Example: It’s a time-honored celebration.
6. From time immemorial
Meaning: Originating in the distant past.
Example: That belief is from time immemorial.
7. Through thick and thin
Meaning: Under all circumstances, traditionally.
Example: They’ve been friends through thick and thin.
8. Tried and tested
Meaning: Proven to be reliable through usage.
Example: Our traditional values are tried and tested.
9. Stand the test of time
Meaning: Endure and remain popular or right.
Example: These traditions stand the test of time.
10. Follow in one’s footsteps
Meaning: To adhere to someone’s traditional way.
Example: She follows in her grandmother’s footsteps.
11. Pass down the baton
Meaning: Transfer a tradition to the next generation.
Example: He passed down the baton gracefully.
12. Keep the home fires burning
Meaning: Maintain home traditions or values.
Example: She keeps the home fires burning.
13. Keep the flame alive
Meaning: Continue traditional beliefs or practices.
Example: They keep the flame alive every festival.
14. Like father, like son
Meaning: Resembling family traits or traditions.
Example: It’s like father, like son here.
15. Cut from the same cloth
Meaning: Sharing similar values or traditions.
Example: They are cut from the same cloth.
16. Carry the torch
Meaning: Continue a traditional cause or belief.
Example: He carries the torch of his ancestors.
17. A chip off the old block
Meaning: Similar to one’s parents in a traditional way.
Example: John is a chip off the old block.
18. Go down the beaten path
Meaning: Follow a traditional and well-known way.
Example: They always go down the beaten path.
19. Keep the wheel turning
Meaning: Maintain the continuity of tradition.
Example: Our festival keeps the wheel turning.
20. Hand down
Meaning: Pass something traditional to the next generation.
Example: Wisdom is handed down in stories.