English idioms are rich with history and often carry meanings that go beyond their literal interpretations. One such idiom is “(as) old as the hills,” which is used to describe something or someone that is very old or ancient. This expression brings to mind the timeless and enduring nature of hills, making it an effective way to emphasize age. In this article, we’ll explore the meaning, origin, and usage of “(as) old as the hills,” and provide examples to help you use this phrase in your own speech.
Meaning of “((as) old as the hills”
The idiom “(as) old as the hills” is used to describe something that is extremely old, often to the point of being ancient or timeless. This expression emphasizes the great age of an object, idea, or person, likening it to the hills, which have existed for millennia. It’s commonly used to suggest that something is so old that it has been around for as long as anyone can remember.
Definition of “(as) old as the hills”
- Old: In this context, “old” refers to something that is ancient or very aged.
- Hills: The reference to hills is symbolic, as hills have been present on Earth for millions of years, evoking a sense of timelessness and age.
When something is described as “as old as the hills,” it conveys that it has been around for an incredibly long time and is likely to be very traditional or out-of-date.
Examples of “(as) old as the hills” in sentences
The children think their mother’s as old as the hills, but she’s only forty.
That song’s not new. It’s old as the hills.
The story about the haunted house is as old as the hills, but it still scares people.
The tradition of carving pumpkins for Halloween is as old as the hills, passed down for generations.
Origin of “(as) old as the hills”
The idiom “as old as the hills” dates back to the 17th century. The phrase is likely derived from the idea that hills have been around for millions of years, far longer than human civilization. The enduring, timeless nature of hills made them the perfect metaphor for something or someone that has existed for an extremely long period of time. It emphasizes a sense of age and continuity that is almost beyond measure.
Synonyms for “(as) old as the hills”
If you want to express the idea of something being very old in different ways, here are some synonyms for “as old as the hills”:
- Ancient
- Timeless
- From time immemorial
- Aged
- Old as dirt
- Outdated
- Vintage
How to use “(as) old as the hills”
The idiom “as old as the hills” is typically used in a figurative sense to describe something or someone that is extremely old or long-established. Here are a few examples of how you can use it in your own conversations:
Describing a person’s age:
“You think my grandmother’s as old as the hills, but she’s still quite spry for her age!”
“My uncle’s been telling the same jokes for years; he’s as old as the hills.”
Describing objects or ideas:
“This method of farming is as old as the hills, yet it’s still effective today.”
“That recipe is as old as the hills, passed down from my great-grandmother.”
