# the apple does not fall far from the tree

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/the-apple-does-not-fall-far-from-the-tree
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

A child grows up to be similar to its parents, both in behavior and in physical characteristics.

## Examples

- He is just like his father; the apple does not fall far from the tree.
- Seeing her daughter show the same talent for music as her mother, everyone agreed that the apple does not fall far from the tree.
- Observing the young man’s ruthless ambition, the townspeople whispered that the apple does not fall far from the tree, given his father’s own history of greed.

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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.