This phrase is used to express that certain characteristics or habits in people will not change, no matter how hard you try to change them when they are young.
Examples
- Spanish: Juan siempre ha sido muy desordenado, ya sabes lo que dicen: 'a muchacho barrigón, ni que lo fajen chiquito'.
- English: Juan has always been very messy, you know what they say: 'a chubby boy will remain so, even if you try to wrap him up when he's little'.