Custom is second nature.: Learn what the means through example!

What does “Custom is second nature.” mean?

"Custom is second nature" means that people tend to become accustomed to things they do regularly, and that habits can become a part of one’s personality. It implies that people should be mindful of their habits, as they can be difficult to break once established.

What context can I use the in?

Example

She has been practicing the piano every day for years, and now it comes naturally to her. Custom is second nature.

Example

After living in a foreign country for a while, speaking the local language became second nature to him. Custom is second nature.

Example

He has been running every morning for so long that it has become a habit. *Custom is second nature.

Is “Custom is second nature.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Custom is second nature.” 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 “Custom is second nature.” effectively in context?

You can use "Custom is second nature" to emphasize the power of habits and how they can become ingrained in a person's behavior. It suggests that repeated actions can become automatic and feel natural over time. For example, if someone is struggling to learn a new skill, you might say, 'Keep practicing, and eventually, it will become second nature.'

• 1. Skill Development

  After months of practice, playing the guitar became second nature to him.

• 2. Language Learning

  Living in a foreign country for an extended period made speaking the local language second nature to her.

• 3. Establishing Habits

  By consistently waking up early and exercising, it became second nature for him to start his day with physical activity.

Similar phrases to “Custom is second nature.”:

Practice makes perfect

Regular practice leads to improvement and mastery of a skill.

Example

She kept practicing her dance routine, knowing that practice makes perfect.

Old habits die hard

It is difficult to change or break long-established habits.

Example

Even though he wanted to quit smoking, old habits die hard.

You are what you eat

Your health and well-being are influenced by your diet and lifestyle choices.

Example

She believed in the saying 'You are what you eat' and focused on maintaining a healthy diet.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Custom is second nature.” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Custom is second nature" is unknown.

Is “Custom is second nature.” common in everyday conversation?

The phrase "Custom is second nature" is not as common in everyday conversation compared to other idioms or proverbs. However, it is still used occasionally to highlight the power of habits and their impact on behavior.

What tone does “Custom is second nature.” have?

"Custom is second nature" conveys a tone of observation and reflection. It suggests that habits can shape a person's character and behavior, and encourages mindfulness in developing positive habits.

Can “Custom is second nature.” be used in informal and formal settings?

The phrase "Custom is second nature" is considered formal and may be more commonly used in written or academic contexts. It is less likely to be used in casual conversations.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

The phrase is typically used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'After years of practice, playing the piano became second nature.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Custom is second nature' to imply the power of habits.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

• actions speak louder than words
• habit becomes second nature
• repetition is key
• practice makes permanent

Antonyms

• breaking the mold
• changing one's ways
• starting from scratch
• breaking the cycle
• forming new habits