Definition & Meaning of "Old wine in a new bottle"

old wine in a new bottle

/ˈəʊld wˈaɪn ɪn ɐ njˈuː bˈɒtəl/

/ˈoʊld wˈaɪn ɪn ɐ nˈuː bˈɑːɾəl/

old wine in a new bottle

PHRASE

something well-established, traditional, or unchanged presented as if it is new, innovative, or significantly different, often to make it more appealing or marketable

old wine in a new bottle definition and meaning

What is the origin of the idiom "old wine in a new bottle" and when to use it?

The idiom "old wine in a new bottle" originates from a metaphor used by Jesus in the Bible, emphasizing the need for new vessels to hold new wine. This phrase is commonly used in discussions about marketing, product development, art, or any situation where there is a perceived lack of genuine innovation or substantive change.