Bend the twig while it is young.
Meaning: Early correction of a child's character or habits proves far more effective than attempting reform later.
Origin: A gardener can train a young tree by bending its supple branches, but grown wood will not bend. The proverb applies the image to raising children, and Alexander Pope gave the idea its most famous form: "Just as the twig is bent, the tree's inclined."
More proverbs about Perseverance
- Do as you are bidden and you'll never be to blame. — Obedience absolves you from responsibility when following orders, shielding you from crit…
- If you cannot bite, never show your teeth. — Avoid displaying aggression or capability you lack; empty threats invite challenge and ri…
- He that is born to be hanged shall never be drowned. — Destiny determines how we meet our end; those fated for one doom escape all others.
- Burn not your candle at both ends at once. — Depleting your resources simultaneously from opposite directions ensures swift exhaustion…
- I'll keep no more cats than will catch mice. — Maintaining only productive resources prevents waste and ensures efficiency in managing y…
- He that chastiseth one, amendeth many. — Disciplining a single person visibly teaches lessons to the broader community watching th…
From our idioms
- Fer figa — To give way or fail — of legs, knees or a plan.
- Nou is die gort gaar — Now we're really in trouble.
- Jakkals trou met wolf se vrou — A sunshower — rain while the sun shines.