What does the phrase force of habit mean?

"Force of habit" refers to doing something repeatedly and automatically, often without conscious thought, simply because it has become a regular and ingrained part of your routine. It can be applied to both positive and negative habits:

Examples:

* Positive: Brushing your teeth every morning is a force of habit that benefits your oral health.

* Negative: Biting your nails might be a force of habit, even if you know it's not good for your nails.

Essentially, the phrase highlights how strong and ingrained habits can be, often driving our actions even when we are not consciously aware of them.

It can also imply that you're not consciously choosing to do the action, but rather doing it out of sheer habit.