same old story

it's the same old story

Used to indicate something that happens or is said over and over again. A: "The chief executive officer was found guilty of fraud." B: "It's the same old story, these billionaire con artists thinking they can get away with anything." Whenever I bring up the idea of renovating the house to her, it's always the same old story about not having enough money.
See also: old, same, story
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

same old story

something that occurs or has occurred in the same way often. Jim's got no money. It's the same old story. He's spent it all on clothing. The company is getting rid of workers. It's the same old story—a shortage of orders.
See also: old, same, story
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

same old story

n. an often repeated story or situation. It’s the same old story. Boy meets girl, girl gets consumption, girl dies.
See also: old, same, story
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
See also:
  • Is that what they're calling it now?
  • Is that what they're calling it these days?
  • in the wrong place at the wrong time
  • none the worse (for something)
  • none the worse for
  • none the worse for something
  • is that right
  • is that so
  • Is that so?
  • I've seen worse
References in periodicals archive
People who did told me it was the same old story: Little about the fabulous footballer he was, lots about the tearful, tragic, helpless drunk he became.
Gazza TV alco-porn a turn off
"But then it was the same old story, a gift of a goal straight through the middle again, and it was one each.
Cooper is ready to ring the changes; Hartlepool boss frustrated by side's inability to cut out mistakes
We've just got a lot of games to play to try and get as many points as we can but it's the same old story, we're out of the group.
We have no chance now
ANOTHER transfer window, different manager, same old story.
Letter: Your Shout - ANOTHER transfer window
Allardyce said: "It's the same old story, isn't it?
football ROUNG UP: Pressure on Sam
Whoever it is will raise morale for a few months leaving us mid table then next season same old story, same old City.
Letter: Your views
Rotherham boss Mick Harford admitted it was a poor result, added: "It's the same old story - poor defending."
Football: ROTHERHAM........1 COLCHESTER........2
JUST wanted to drop you a short note to say what an absolute superb piece of journalism you wrote in your most recent column "Celtic Shame Is Same Old Story" - more power to your pen sir.
LEGGO S LETTERS: OLD FIRM SPECIAL: More power to your pen Leggo
"Liberal, Tory, same old story"; so ran a chant of my youth.
"Liberal, Tory, same old story"
It's the same old story: Boy stalks boy, boy kidnaps boy, boy starts running around in black latex outfit.
O abysmal: Portuguese import O Fantasma offers a sexy leading man and little else
Jake adds: "It's the same old story that audiences know and love but with a few new twists.
THE ALE HOUSE; PREVIEW The Dome, Renshaw Street, Liverpool
"It's not a case of doubting yourself but rather, 'Here we go again with the same old story'.
I can't bear hard-luck Teales I can't bear
I DON'T know who to vote for They all look the same I blame myself Where did I go wrong The same old story The trillions of debts They can't give us money Maybe they can give us power On the hour on the clock Tick tock the alarm goes off For years and years I've had laughter and tears If only I knew better I would write a letter To Number Ten The Etonian Squad I bet I put a cross Somewhere, nowhere The lambs are born But who gives a toss March, April, May We will pay the price The seeds have been sown But will we get a harvest.
POEM OF THE DAY; I Don't Know Who to Vote For
Since I started supporting them over 40 years ago, it has been the same old story. I would love to know the stats for the last 40 Christmases.
Did United not know it was Christmas?
"It's the same old story for Harry but he's convinced the band could beat him and be a success this year."
IT'S SI TIME I WON; TELEVISION