New Wine in an Old Wineskin

What Does "New Wine in an Old Wineskin" Mean?

"New wine in an old wineskin" is an English idiom. It means "similar to 'new wine in an old bottle,' signifying the introduction of innovation or change into a conventional or established system."

Examples in Sentences

Here are three examples of the idiom "new wine in an old wineskin" used in a sentence:

• The university introduced modern teaching methods within its traditional curriculum, symbolizing new wine in an old wineskin.
• The company retained its core values while embracing new technology—a blend of new wine in an old wineskin.
• The government aimed to update its policies while maintaining its historical framework, exemplifying new wine in an old wineskin.

What Is an Idiom?

An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. In other words, if you were to translate "New Wine in an Old Wineskin" word for word, there is no guarantee the translation would help you to understand the meaning.

An idiom often includes a cultural or historical context that makes it difficult for non-native English speakers to understand. A phrase is classified as an idiom when a direct translation of the words does not reveal the meaning. Most idioms rely on shared knowledge or experiences known only to a specific community.

A Quick Test

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