What does “As old as the hills.” mean?
"As old as the hills" means that something is very old or has been around for a long time, often used to describe something that is so old that it has become part of the landscape or culture.
What context can I use the in?
Example
The tradition of celebrating New Year's Eve is as old as the hills. It has been passed down for generations.
Example
The story of Romeo and Juliet is as old as the hills. It has been told and retold for centuries.
Example
The concept of democracy is as old as the hills. It has been practiced in various forms throughout history
Is “As old as the hills.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“As old as the hills.” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “As old as the hills.” effectively in context?
You can use "As old as the hills" to describe something that is very old or has been around for a long time. It's often used to emphasize the long-standing nature of something, comparing it to the age and permanence of hills. For example, if someone asks about the history of a particular tradition, you might say, 'Oh, that tradition is as old as the hills. It has been passed down for generations.'
- 1Traditions
The tradition of celebrating New Year's Eve is as old as the hills. It has been passed down for generations.
- 2Literature
The story of Romeo and Juliet is as old as the hills. It has been told and retold for centuries.
- 3Political Systems
The concept of democracy is as old as the hills. It has been practiced in various forms throughout history.
Similar phrases to “As old as the hills.”:
Time-honored
Describing something that has been respected or valued for a long time
Example
The time-honored tradition of exchanging gifts during the holiday season.
Centuries-old
Referring to something that has been in existence for hundreds of years
Example
The centuries-old castle is a popular tourist attraction.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “As old as the hills.” come from?
The origin of the phrase "As old as the hills" is unknown.
Is “As old as the hills.” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "As old as the hills" is a common proverb that is frequently used in everyday conversation. People often use it to emphasize the long history or age of something.
What tone does “As old as the hills.” have?
"As old as the hills" conveys a tone of familiarity and timelessness. It's often used to evoke a sense of nostalgia or to highlight the enduring nature of something.
Can “As old as the hills.” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "As old as the hills" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile proverb that conveys the idea of something being very old or having a long history. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or written essays.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'The story of Romeo and Juliet is as old as the hills.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the proverb even if used alone, like saying 'That tradition is as old as the hills!' to imply its long-standing nature.
