old chestnut

USAGE SUMMARY

"old chestnut" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to refer to a story, joke, or idea that is well known and has been used many times before. For example, "He always tells the same old chestnut at family gatherings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Yep, that old chestnut.

The Guardian

Ah, this old chestnut.

The Guardian - Opinion

Try a hoary old chestnut.

The Washington Post

DOWELL -- That's an old chestnut.

The New York Times - Arts

Oh, this old chestnut," he says slightly wearily.

Independent

Quick, jump in this hackneyed carriage, follow that old chestnut.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Who'd have thought anyone could make that old chestnut work?

The New York Times - Books

Even the old chestnut He'll Have to Go crackles.

The Guardian - Music

Yeah right, you're probably thinking, that old chestnut.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Thanks to his contribution, Mr. Parker got to name a 9-year-old chestnut Ben's Best.

The New York Times

She gets to play Sleeping Beauty in (yet again) a revisionist variation on that old-chestnut.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "old chestnut" when you want to subtly indicate that an idea, argument, or story is not new or original, often implying it's been discussed or used many times before. This can add a touch of irony or gentle criticism.

Common error

Avoid using "old chestnut" too frequently in your writing. Overusing it can make your writing sound repetitive or condescending. Ensure the audience understands the reference and that it adds value to the sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "old chestnut" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object. It serves to identify something as being predictably familiar or unoriginal, as Ludwig's examples illustrate. The Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Academia

7%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "old chestnut" is a noun phrase denoting something predictably familiar and unoriginal. Ludwig's AI confirms it's a correct and usable phrase, predominantly found in news and media contexts. As a neutral expression, it serves to convey a critical or dismissive attitude toward stale content. For example, in the provided contexts, the phrase is used to describe ideas or arguments that are neither new nor insightful. Remember to use it judiciously to avoid sounding repetitive or condescending. Consider alternatives like "tired trope" or "hackneyed saying" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

well-worn phrase

Highlights the extensive use of a phrase, implying it has lost impact through repetition.

tired trope

Refers to a narrative device or theme that has become cliché due to overuse; it's more specific to storytelling.

overused idea

Directly points out that a concept has been employed too often, diminishing its effectiveness.

hackneyed saying

Focuses on the overused nature of a particular phrase or expression, emphasizing its staleness.

shopworn theme

Implies that a theme has been exhausted through repeated use, making it seem old and unoriginal.

common refrain

Indicates a regularly repeated comment or complaint, often implying it's become tedious.

stale joke

Specifies that a joke is no longer funny due to its age and constant repetition.

trite remark

Emphasizes the lack of originality or freshness in a statement, suggesting it's uninspired.

banal observation

Stresses the ordinariness and lack of depth in a comment, suggesting it's uninteresting.

predictable plot

Highlights the lack of surprises in a storyline, suggesting it follows a formulaic pattern.

FAQs

How can I use "old chestnut" in a sentence?

You can use "old chestnut" to refer to a story, joke, or idea that's well-worn and familiar. For example, "His argument about tax cuts is just the same "tired trope" we've heard for years".

What are some synonyms for "old chestnut"?

Alternatives to "old chestnut" include "hackneyed saying", "well-worn phrase", or "overused idea" depending on the specific context.

Is "old chestnut" a formal or informal expression?

"Old chestnut" leans towards being an informal expression, suitable for casual conversations and less formal writing. In academic or professional contexts, consider more neutral alternatives.

What's the difference between "old chestnut" and "cliché"?

While both refer to something overused, "old chestnut" specifically implies a story, joke, or argument that has been told repeatedly. "Cliché" is a broader term that can apply to any expression or idea that has become stale through overuse.