change one's stripes

change (one's) stripes

To radically or fundamentally shift one's opinion, ideology, or allegiance, especially in relation to politics. Often used in negative constructions. Derived from the phrase "a tiger cannot change its stripes," meaning that people are incapable of changing their essential nature. The former governor has changed her stripes regarding social welfare since leaving office. You're never going to convince Tom about this. A guy so set in his beliefs like Tom can't change his stripes. Wow, Ben must have changed his stripes if he's supporting the more liberal candidate.

See also: change, stripe

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

change one's stripes

see under leopard cannot change its spots.

See also: change, stripe

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.