A leopard can’t change his spots

Meaning

The idiom "a leopard can’t change its spots" means that someone cannot change their behavior or character just because they want to. It is a warning that people's true nature will eventually reveal itself, and it is not possible to hide who you really are forever.

Usage

• The boss always expects his employees to meet the same high standards, even if they have a past of poor performance. "A leopard can’t change its spots," he says sternly.
• Sarah has been known for her outspoken and confrontational behavior for years. Even when she tries to be more polite, people still complain that she is too aggressive. "A leopard can’t change its spots," they often say in response.
• I've heard people say that you can teach an old dog new tricks, but I don't think anyone can really change the way someone behaves. It's like a leopard trying to change its spots.
• Despite his efforts to be more humble and team-oriented, John still dominates meetings and takes credit for others' work. "A leopard can’t change its spots," his colleagues often mutter under their breath.
• There have been rumors that Michael has been involved in some questionable business practices lately, but some people believe he will always be the same slick and unethical person he's always been. "A leopard can’t change its spots," they say with a shrug.

Roots and History

The idiom has roots in both biology and literature. In nature, leopards are known for their distinctive spotted pattern, which is determined by their genes. Similarly, people have certain traits that are innate to them and cannot be changed. In literature, the phrase "a leopard can’t change its spots" is attributed to William Shakespeare in his play A Midsummer Night's Dream. In this play, the character Puck warns the audience not to judge people based on their appearance. "If winter come, will come again; / But he that hath his motley wit / Can keep his colour and his plume," he says. Over time, the meaning of the idiom has remained relatively constant, but its usage has varied depending on the context. It is often used in negative ways to criticize someone who is behaving badly or has a history of bad behavior. However, it can also be used in a more positive way to remind people that they should not be judged based on their past mistakes.

Synonyms in English

• You can't teach an old dog new tricks.
• People can't change who they are just because they want to.
• It's impossible to hide your true nature forever.
• You can't change the way someone behaves.
• The past is always prologue.

Synonyms in other languages

• La vieille chienne ne se renouvelle pas dans la même rose (French) - This idiom means that an old woman can't become a new one just because she wants to.
• זהיו חסדים לנדבע מלוך יושעה (Hebrew) - This phrase translates to "Old habits die hard" and means that people can't change their behavior overnight.
• 寃かれるもおもがりならそうも言わひ (Japanese) - This idiom means that people who tend to complain will always find something to complain about, no matter what happens.
• 歹は悻しません (Chinese) - This phrase translates to "Don't regret your past" and means that people should not dwell on their mistakes or misdeeds.
• No puedo cambiar mi naturaleza (Spanish) - This idiom literally translates to "I cannot change my nature" and means that people can't become someone they are not just because they want to.

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