“Youth Is Wasted on the Young” Meaning and Useful Examples

You may well have heard the term youth is wasted on the young, but what exactly is the meaning of this phrase? In this article, we are going to take a look at not only the meaning of the phrase but also where it came from in the first place. We will also look at some examples of conversations in which the term might appear.

Youth Is Wasted on the Young

Youth Is Wasted on the Young Meaning

The term youth is wasted on the young refers to the immaturity that comes alongside the energy of youth meaning that despite having the energy to do many good things, young people will waste that energy on silly, trivial things.

Origin of the idiomatic phrase

The term youth is wasted on the young was first coined many thousands of years ago, but in more modern times was famously used by Oscar Wilde.

“Youth Is Wasted on the Young” Examples

Examples in Sentences

We are now going to take a look at some examples of sentences in which the term youth is wasted on the young might be seen.

The first sentence is one being said by a grandmother.

  • My grandson keeps making so many mistakes even though he has the potential, it’s true when they say that youth is wasted on the young.

The next example is a statement being said by a teacher.

  • You need to stop ruining your chances, youth is wasted on the young and you are a prime example of this.

Conversation Examples

There are a number of conversations in which the phrase youth is wasted on the young might be observed. Let’s now take a look at some examples of times that you can expect to see the term in use.

The first conversation is being held between two friends who have just retired.

  • Person 1: “What are we going to do with ourselves now we don’t have to work?”
  • Person 2: “I’ve no idea, I don’t think I have the energy for much.”
  • Person 1: “I know what you mean, if only it was 25 years ago.”
  • Person 2: “We’d have gone travelling, dancing, the works, youth is truly wasted on the young.”

The next conversation is happening between two friends.

  • Person 1: “My son has just received his inheritance from his grandad. It’s a lot of money.”
  • Person 2: “What is he spending it on?”
  • Person 1: “Clubbing, designer clothes and holidays.”
  • Person 2: “Wow, he could invest that, youth is wasted on the young isn’t it.”

Other Ways to Say the Idiom

We might be able to express the meaning of the idiom “youth is wasted on the young” by using other words.

We will now look at some other things you might say in its place.

  • Immaturity and opportunity do not mix well
  • The young do not appreciate their youth.

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Last Updated on March 25, 2020

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