a leopard doesn't change its spots

a leopard doesn't change its spots

proverb One will stay true to one's nature, even if one pretends or claims otherwise. After our breakup, he came crawling back, trying to convince me that he'd changed, but I know that a leopard doesn't change its spots.
See also: change, leopard, spot
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

a leopard does not change its spots

or

a leopard cannot change its spots

mainly BRITISH
If you say that a leopard does not change its spots or a leopard cannot change its spots, you mean that it is not possible for someone bad or unpleasant to change and become good and pleasant. A liar is a liar, and a leopard cannot change its spots. Note: This expression is often varied. This racist leopard has in no way changed his spots. I believe a leopard can change his spots, and this guy is really committed. Note: A form of this proverb is used in the Bible, by the prophet Jeremiah, to say that wicked people never change: `Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? Then may ye also do good, that are accustomed to do evil.' (Jeremiah 13:23)
See also: change, does, leopard, not, spot
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
See also:
  • as one door closes, another (one) opens
  • as one door closes, another one opens
  • as one door closes, another opens
  • drive (one) out of office
  • force (one) out of office
  • force out of office
  • give (someone) an inch and (someone) (will) take a mile
  • give (someone) an inch and (someone) (will) take a yard
  • give head
  • give (one) (one's) head
References in periodicals archive
They say a leopard doesn't change its spots. Don't expect this arrogant, nasty women and her Government to change theirs.
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Of course a leopard doesn't change its spots, and the only reason she wants to stay on is so she can pick up a pounds 30,000 severance payoff.
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Mike tells her he wants her to leave Keith for him, but she's worried that a leopard doesn't change its spots.
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As they might say in Africa, a leopard doesn't change its spots. We're sorry they're out of business, but with a gun that jammed as much as the CP-1 did, it's little wonder.
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A leopard doesn't change its spots award - Stan Collymore.
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A LEOPARD doesn't change its spots and your selfish husband will not change his ways.
Dear MIRIAM: A LEOPARD doesn't change; YOUR VERDICT