the apple does not fall far from the tree
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Also seen as: the apple doesn't fall far from the tree · the apple never falls far from the tree
Meaning · English
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
Where it’s used:
Used
Widespread English
Sources & notes
Listed in Wiktionary’s “English idioms” category (retrieved 2026-07-29); definition pending editorial review.
Equivalents & related
Near equivalent
con nhà tông không giống lông cũng giống cánh
the apple does not fall far from the tree
Tiếng Việt
Near equivalent
take up the running
To take over a task or responsibility from someone else
English · via con nhà tông không giống lông cũng giống cánh
Near equivalent
the boy is the father of the man
A person's childhood characteristics influence their adult personality
English · via con nhà tông không giống lông cũng giống cánh
Lighter cards are two steps away in the meaning graph — equivalents of equivalents, reached via the entry shown on the card.
Common questions
What does “the apple does not fall far from the tree” mean?
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
Is “the apple does not fall far from the tree” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.
What is the closest equivalent?
“con nhà tông không giống lông cũng giống cánh” (Tiếng Việt) — near equivalent.