Boys will be boys.

The proverb presents a boy’s behavior as predictable simply because he is a boy. It is often used to treat unruliness or mischief as something to be expected rather than surprising.

It can also serve as an excuse, suggesting that the behavior need not be taken seriously or corrected. That implication depends on what happened and may minimize conduct that deserves a response.

Use it when someone brushes aside a boy’s mischief as typical behavior. Be cautious when the conduct has harmed someone: the phrase can sound as though gender makes the behavior acceptable.