English

Proverb

boys will be boys

1. It is hard, often fruitless, to attempt to curb the natural playfulness and tendency to mischief of most growing boys.
   • 1922, James Joyce, Ulysses Chapter 13

     But just then there was a slight altercation between Master Tommy and Master Jacky. Boys will be boys and our two twins were no exception to this golden rule.

2. Even grown men usually remain somewhat boyish at heart.

   "Boys will be boys," grinned Grandpa as he watched his adult son playing with the fancy train-set he had given his grandson for Christmas.

Translations

References

• Gregory Y. Titelman, Random House Dictionary of Popular Proverbs and Sayings, 1996, ISBN 0-679-44554-4, p. 33.