# a wild goose never laid a tame egg

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/a-wild-goose-never-laid-a-tame-egg
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Most things are inherited and predetermined.

## Examples

- He is just like his father, because a wild goose never laid a tame egg.
- When the young athlete showed the same natural talent as his parents, the coach remarked that a wild goose never laid a tame egg.
- Observing the persistent arrogance of the heir, the old advisor sighed, knowing well that a wild goose never laid a tame egg and the family traits would persist.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.