if a habit, custom, or belief, dies hard, it takes a long time to change or end it.

After a successful 30-year career, he no longer has any need to work - but old habits die hard. (usually in present tenses)

These ancient traditions die hard in the isolated communities of rural China.

• the spirit moves you
• the staff of life
• the stage is set for
• the stage is set for something
• the state of play
• the status quo
• the story of life
• the story of someone's life
• the straight and narrow
• the straight and narrow path
• the straw that breaks the camel's back
• the swing of things
• the tables are turned.
• the tail end of
• the tail end of something
• the tail wagging the dog
• the thin end of the wedge
• the thing is
• the thinking man's crumpet
• the thinking woman's crumpet
• the third degree
• the three R's
• the tide turns
• the time is ripe
• the tip of the iceberg