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It's the same old story

Phrase of the day

Discover a new phrase each day to use in your English! These are special phrases and sayings that English speakers use all the time, but you don't often see these phrases in English course books or other study material. Visit daily to learn some popular English phrases on a regular basis.

17 July 2026

It's the same old story

We use this expression to say that we are in a situation that has happened before. Normally this is a negative situation.

Written: Yes

Spoken: Yes

Formal: No

Informal: Yes

Example 1

Why is Barbara crying?

It's the same old story. She's had another argument with her boyfriend.

Example 2

I can never find anything I need in the store room!

Yes, it's the same old story. No-one ever puts things away in the right place.

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