Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
a leopard cannot change its spots
Proverb
/ə ˈlɛpərd ˌkænɒt ʧeɪndʒ ɪts spɒts/
Definition
A person cannot change their innate nature or character.
Examples
- Despite his promises to be more responsible, I believe a leopard cannot change its spots.
- She tries to act like she has changed, but we know that a leopard cannot change its spots.
Meaning
This phrase suggests that people will always revert to their true nature, regardless of their efforts to appear different.
Synonyms
- You can’t teach an old dog new tricks
- A wolf in sheep’s clothing
- A tiger can’t change its stripes
