Bedeutung
It is difficult to change the established habits of older people.
Kultureller Hintergrund
In France, this proverb is often used in political commentary to describe 'les éléphants' (the old guard) of political parties who are resistant to new leadership. While the phrase is used, Quebecers might also use 'C'est pas d'hier que je fais ça' (I didn't start doing this yesterday) to express the same sentiment of long-term expertise. Proverbs involving monkeys are very common. This specific one is used to show respect for elders, as age is highly equated with wisdom and protection against spiritual or social 'tricks'. The phrase is used identically to France, often in the context of traditional crafts like brewing or chocolate making to dismiss industrial 'innovations'.
Use it for self-defense
It's a great way to shut down a condescending explanation without being overtly rude.
Don't be too arrogant
Using this too often can make you seem like you are closed to new ideas.
Bedeutung
It is difficult to change the established habits of older people.
Use it for self-defense
It's a great way to shut down a condescending explanation without being overtly rude.
Don't be too arrogant
Using this too often can make you seem like you are closed to new ideas.
The 'On' factor
Using 'On' makes it sound like a universal law, which is more persuasive than saying 'I know better'.
Teste dich selbst
Complete the proverb with the correct words.
On n'apprend pas aux vieux _______ à faire la _______.
The standard proverb uses 'singes' (monkeys) and 'grimace' (face/grimace).
In which situation is this proverb most appropriate?
A young salesman tries to sell a 'magic' potion to a 90-year-old doctor.
The proverb is used when an expert (the doctor) is faced with a deceptive or amateurish attempt to teach/fool them.
What is the figurative meaning of this phrase?
Choose the best definition:
The phrase is about the power of long-term experience and skepticism.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
L'apprenti : 'Maître, je vais vous montrer une nouvelle technique pour forger l'acier.' Le Maître : 'Petit, j'ai commencé avant ta naissance. _______.'
The master is asserting his long-term experience over the apprentice's 'new' technique.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenOn n'apprend pas aux vieux _______ à faire la _______.
The standard proverb uses 'singes' (monkeys) and 'grimace' (face/grimace).
A young salesman tries to sell a 'magic' potion to a 90-year-old doctor.
The proverb is used when an expert (the doctor) is faced with a deceptive or amateurish attempt to teach/fool them.
Choose the best definition:
The phrase is about the power of long-term experience and skepticism.
L'apprenti : 'Maître, je vais vous montrer une nouvelle technique pour forger l'acier.' Le Maître : 'Petit, j'ai commencé avant ta naissance. _______.'
The master is asserting his long-term experience over the apprentice's 'new' technique.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenTechnically yes, but it's ironic. It's best used for someone who has actual years behind them.
Both are understood, but the singular 'la grimace' is the most traditional and common form.
In the context of this proverb, no. It's actually a compliment to their cunning and skill.
The closest is 'You can't teach an old dog new tricks,' though the nuance differs slightly.
Only if the tone is informal or if you are quoting it to make a point about expertise.
Because monkeys are famous for their ability to mimic and make faces; an old one has seen every face possible.
In writing, yes. In speaking, it's often dropped, but keeping it makes the proverb sound more 'official'.
Yes, people often just say 'On n'apprend pas aux vieux singes...' and stop there.
Yes, it is universally understood across the Francophonie.
Absolutely. A veteran player might say this to a rookie trying to fake them out.
Verwandte Redewendungen
C'est en forgeant qu'on devient forgeron
similarPractice makes perfect
On ne la lui fait pas
synonymYou can't trick him/her
Il connaît la musique
similarHe knows how it works
Vieux motard que jamais
contrastBetter late than never (pun)
