a leopard can't change its spots
Meaning: People cannot change their basic nature.
Language: English
Literally: (Already vivid in English)
Example: “He says he's stopped gambling, but a leopard can't change its spots.”
Category: Animals
Origin: From the Bible, Jeremiah 13:23: "Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots?"
Equivalents in other languages
- French: Chassez le naturel, il revient au galop — literally: Drive out nature and it comes back at a gallop
More idioms — Animals
- set the cat among the pigeons — To say or do something that causes trouble or uproar.
- all bark and no bite — Threatening or boastful but not actually dangerous.
- talk the hind legs off a donkey — To talk endlessly.
- jump through hoops — To go through many difficult or pointless steps to get something.
- slow and steady wins the race — Patience and persistence succeed better than haste.
- like a duck to water — Naturally and easily, as if born to it.
More English idioms
- all grist to the mill — Everything can be turned to use or advantage.
- you can't make an omelet without breaking eggs — Achieving something worthwhile involves some loss or damage.
- in a pickle — In a difficult situation.
- have one's work cut out — To face a difficult task.
- mum's the word — Keep this secret; say nothing.
- hale and hearty — Healthy and strong, especially in old age.