the old days

the old days

The past; a bygone era. How did ladies wear these corsets in the old days? It's only been a few minutes, and I already can't breathe! In the old days, people respected their grandparents. These brats today won't put down their phones long enough to talk to anyone!
See also: days, old
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

the old days

a period in the past, often seen as significantly different from the present, especially noticeably better or worse.
See also: days, old
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • bygone
  • bygone days
  • an old dear
  • for days on end
  • one of these days is none of these days
  • end your days/life
  • for (some) days running
  • days running
  • days hence
  • end (one's) days
References in classic literature
An evening of that sort reminded him of the old days in Paris.
She had been used to his subservience: he was only too glad to do anything for her in the old days, she was accustomed to see him cast down by a cross word and in ecstasy at a kind one; he was different now, and she said to herself that he had not improved in the last year.
I told her I was convinced of it, in the old days at school--and my conviction is as strong as ever.
This was in the old days when the Patricians alone governed Venice--the common herd had no vote and no voice.
I have a distinct recollection that in the old days, when you were about fifteen, you always could make me do whatever you liked."
"I like to hear about the old people of the old days. My people was along in there, too, an' somehow I think it was a better world to live in than now.
"Oh, Katharine," she exclaimed, "how you've made me think of Mamma and the old days in Russell Square!
"I don't remember any offices in Russell Square in the old days, when Mamma lived there," Mrs.
' He hasn't forgotten the old days,' she said, defiantly.
'Eddy isn't the only person who remembers the old days, Mary,' he said slowly.
I am trying to recover my spirits -- I am trying to forget the poor deluded girl who was foolish enough to be fond of Frank in the old days at Combe-Raven.
In the old days she had dressed for her own sake to look pretty and be admired.
have taken over the administration of Crete on normal lines; and tourists must go elsewhere to witness the"debates," "resolutions," and "popular movements" of the old days. The only people to suffer will be the Board of Control, which is grievously overworked already.
This was the old days with a vengeance, with their dancing, and their fighting, and their fun.
In the old days, when men were allowed to have many wives, a middle-aged Man had one wife that was old and one that was young; each loved him very much, and desired to see him like herself.