The phrase's origin:
* 18th Century: The earliest recorded use of "die hard" comes from 1775. It was originally used in the context of battles to describe troops who fought valiantly and refused to surrender, even when facing overwhelming odds.
* Metaphorical meaning: Over time, "die hard" transitioned into a metaphorical expression to signify something that persists or resists change stubbornly. This applies to both concrete things (like old traditions) and abstract concepts (like beliefs).
The movie's impact:
* 1988: The action movie "Die Hard" was released, starring Bruce Willis as a New York cop trapped in a Los Angeles skyscraper during a terrorist takeover.
* Popularity boost: The movie's popularity significantly boosted the use of the phrase "die hard" in modern English. It became strongly associated with resilience, determination, and fighting back against adversity.
Key takeaways:
* The expression "die hard" existed long before the movie "Die Hard."
* The movie significantly popularized the phrase and gave it a more specific, action-oriented meaning.
So, while the movie made the phrase more widespread, its origin lies in the gritty realities of battles fought long ago.