English Explanatory Dictionary

a leopard cannot change its spots

English dictionary entry

Meanings

proverb
  1. One cannot change one's own nature.

Pronunciation

LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-a leopard cannot change its spots.wav

Word forms

a leopard cannot change its spots a leopard can't change its spots

Etymology

Ultimately from Jeremiah 13:23.

Synonyms

the wolf may lose his teeth but never his nature the fox may grow grey but never good you can take the person out of the place, but you can't take the place out of the person

Related words

what's bred in the bone will come out in the flesh
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