Meaning of the word "you cannot shift an old tree without it dying" in English
What does "you cannot shift an old tree without it dying" mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.
you cannot shift an old tree without it dying
US /ju ˈkæn.ɑːt ʃɪft æn oʊld triː wɪˈðaʊt ɪt ˈdaɪ.ɪŋ/
UK /ju ˈkæn.ɒt ʃɪft ən əʊld triː wɪˈðaʊt ɪt ˈdaɪ.ɪŋ/
Idiom
it is difficult or harmful to change the habits, environment, or lifestyle of an elderly person
Example:
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My grandfather refused to move to a smaller house, saying that you cannot shift an old tree without it dying.
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The social worker realized that you cannot shift an old tree without it dying when the elderly woman became depressed after being moved to the care home.