boys will be boys

idiom

—used to indicate that it is not surprising or unusual when men or boys behave in energetic, rough, or improper ways

You shouldn't be too hard on them for staying out so late. Boys will be boys.

Examples of boys will be boys in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Companies developing artificial intelligence are often quick to avoid taking accountability for their systems with an approach much like a parent with an unruly child — boys will be boys! —

Kylie Robison, The Verge, 23 May 2024

Cite this Entry

Style

“Boys will be boys.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/boys%20will%20be%20boys. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Copy Citation