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by force of habit
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used to refer to the act of doing something without thinking about it because one has been doing it for a long time and it has become a habit
What is the origin of the idiom "by force of habit" and when to use it?
The idiom "by force of habit" is used to suggest that someone is doing something without conscious thought or intention, simply because it has become a habitual or automatic behavior. This idiom originates from the idea that habits can be powerful, and people may perform certain actions out of sheer force of repetition or routine.
Example
She reached for her phone from force of habit, even though she had decided to take a break from constant screen time.
By force of habit, he checked the stock market updates every morning, although he had long since sold his investments.
He tied his shoelaces by force of habit, although his shoes were slip-ons that required no laces.
In the old neighborhood, she turned into her childhood home's street by force of habit, even though she no longer lived there.
Even after retirement, he would wake up early by force of habit, just as he did when he was working.
