a leopard does not change its spots

a leopard doesn't change its spots

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

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