Be/act your age

usgb
phrase

Behave in a proper manner according to your age, not like a younger person.

He's 20 years old but still acts like a child. He needs to act his age.
Visual representation of "be/act your age" - Behave in a proper manner according to your age, not like a younger person.

Often appears as...

  • stop acting your age
  • start acting your age

Usage tips

Disapproving

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "be/act your age"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Cultural Expectations

Different cultures have varying expectations for how people act at certain ages.

Illustration for Cultural Expectations
In some places, it's common to be independent by 18, so act your age and manage your budgets.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Social Context

Understand the setting, as 'act your age' can mean different behavior in different situations.

Illustration for Social Context
At the formal dinner, when he threw food, his mother whispered sternly, 'Act your age.'
LampPro Tip 3/3

Emotional Maturity

'Act your age' often implies showing emotional maturity expected from someone your age.

Illustration for Emotional Maturity
When he lost the game and sulked, his coach said, 'Come on, act your age.'
Visual representation of the word "Be/act your age"

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