describes old institutions, systems, or customs that are difficult to completely eliminate despite being obsolete or having lost their vitality

这种陈腐的封建观念真是百足之虫死而不僵，在某些地区依然存在。

literally a centipede dies but does not stiffen; figuratively used of powerful people or organizations that retain influence even after their downfall

这个家族虽然没落了，但百足之虫死而不僵，在当地仍有很大影响。