“As the twig is bent, so is the tree inclined”: meaning, origin and examples
What it means
The phrase means that the way someone is raised or shaped early in life has a strong influence on their future character or behavior. Just as bending a young twig determines the direction a tree will grow, habits and lessons learned in youth often shape one’s adult life.
Tone Reflective and advisory
Where it comes from
The phrase is often attributed to Alexander Pope, but its sentiment appears in earlier proverbs and literature. It reflects longstanding observations about the importance of early education and upbringing.
Examples
- Parents should teach their children good values, for as the twig is bent, so is the tree inclined.
- Early training matters because as the twig is bent, so is the tree inclined.
- A teacher shapes her students—she knows that as the twig is bent, so is the tree inclined.
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