చెట్టు అయి వంగనిది మాను అయి వంగునా?

chettu ayi vanganidi manu ayi vanguna?

Translation

If a tree won't bend when it is young, will it bend when it is full grown ? If a man is not humble in his youth, will he grow meek in his old age ? Bend the tree while it is young. (Italian.)* The old branch breaks if bent. (Danish.) "Bow down his neck while he is young." Ecclesiasticus xxx. 12.

Meaning

This proverb emphasizes that habits, discipline, and character are best formed during childhood. If someone is not corrected or taught while they are young and flexible (like a sapling), they will become rigid and impossible to change once they grow older (like a sturdy tree). It is often used to stress the importance of early education and parenting.

Related Phrases

Will that which does not bend as a sapling, bend as a tree?

This proverb emphasizes that habits and character are best formed during childhood. If someone is not disciplined or taught good values when they are young and flexible (like a sapling), they are unlikely to change or improve once they are older and set in their ways (like a sturdy tree). It is commonly used when discussing the importance of early education and discipline.

Even if it is a detour, a dry path is better.

This proverb suggests that it is better to take a longer, safer, and more reliable route (or method) rather than a shortcut that is dangerous or difficult. It emphasizes choosing safety and certainty over speed.

Without bending the finger, even butter cannot be got. Without obsequiousness, nothing is to be had.

This proverb emphasizes that nothing can be achieved without effort. Just as one must crook their finger to scoop butter out of a pot, one must work hard and be resourceful to gain results. It is used to motivate someone who is being lazy or expecting rewards without labor.

Even if it is a roundabout way, going comfortably is better.

This expression is used to advise that taking a longer, safer, or more reliable path is better than taking a shortcut that is fraught with danger or difficulties. It emphasizes prioritizing peace and safety over speed.

Will that which does not bend as a sapling, bend as a tree?

This proverb emphasizes that habits, discipline, and character are best formed during childhood or the early stages of a process. If a person is not molded or corrected when they are young and flexible, it becomes nearly impossible to change them once they are grown and set in their ways. It is commonly used in discussions regarding parenting and early education.

If you bend even lower under someone who is already bent, your joints will be hit.

This proverb warns against excessive submissiveness or trying to be overly humble with someone who is already yielding. It implies that being too accommodating or sycophantic can lead to unnecessary trouble or physical/metaphorical injury. It is used to advise people to maintain their dignity and boundaries.

Like saying 'I cannot sit and cook food, but I can bend and visit a holy place.'

This expression is used to describe a lazy person who makes excuses for necessary daily work (like cooking) but is willing to do things that involve outings or entertainment. It highlights selective laziness and hypocrisy.

Even if it is a poisonous Musini tree, a green tree should not be cut down.

This proverb emphasizes the value of life and environmental preservation. It suggests that one should not destroy something that is thriving and green, even if it is seemingly useless or harmful like the Musini (Strychnine) tree, as every living thing has its place in nature.

If it does not bend as a plant, will it bend as a tree?

This proverb emphasizes the importance of learning and discipline during childhood or the early stages of a project. Just as a sapling can be easily molded but a grown tree cannot, habits and behaviors are best shaped when young. It is used to suggest that if someone does not change or learn when they are flexible and young, they will never do so when they are older and set in their ways.

If the tree is stubborn, the rain is right at its base.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where an obstacle or a stubborn person is met with an even more persistent or overwhelming force. It suggests that if someone refuses to be flexible or act accordingly, circumstances will eventually force a confrontation or a result right where they stand. It is often used to imply that one cannot escape the consequences of their nature or actions.