As the twig is bent the tree's inclined.

The proverb compares a person's development to a tree's growth: influences during the formative years can leave a lasting mark on character and behavior.

It emphasizes the importance of early guidance and experience without necessarily saying that a person's course can never change.

Use it when discussing how childhood teaching, habits, or surroundings may affect someone later in life. It can express approval of careful early guidance or concern about harmful early influences.