English 
español 
française 
italiano 
deutsche 
日本語 
polski 
česky 
svenska 
Türkçe 
Nederlands 
Explaining “The leopard does not change its spots”
Lloyd Cooper 09/11/2024, 19:03English.me team member
What does it mean?
The phrase means that a person cannot change their intrinsic nature or character, suggesting that people tend to remain true to their basic habits and dispositions.
Tone
Cynical
Origin
The phrase originates from the Bible, specifically from the Book of Jeremiah 13:23, which suggests that it is difficult for people or animals to change their inherent characteristics.
Examples of usage
- Even after all these years, she still behaves just as stubbornly as ever; I guess a leopard never changes its spots.
- He's tried to convince everyone he's turned over a new leaf, but a leopard doesn't change its spots.
- Despite his promises to improve, his actions prove that a leopard does not change his spots.
Recommended posts in 
Phrases
Every cloud has a silver lining
The phrase means that every difficult or unpleasant situation has ... Learn more →
An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth
The phrase "An eye for an eye, a tooth for ... Learn more →
Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown
The phrase "Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown" ... Learn more →
Born with a silver spoon in one's mouth
The phrase "born with a silver spoon in one's mouth" ... Learn more →