once a something, always a something
once a (something), always a (something)
proverb A person's innate or fundamental nature is not something they are willing or able to change. He says he's trying to leave his life of crime behind, but once a criminal, always a criminal. Even years after leaving the stage, she still can't resist performing—once an actor, always an actor.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2022 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
once a —, always a —
a person cannot change their fundamental nature. 1993 Margaret Atwood The Robber Bride She was once a Catholic…and once a Catholic, always a Catholic, according to her mother.
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
- teach a man to fish
- better an egg today than a hen tomorrow
- a sparrow in the hand is better than the pigeon on the roof
- when the tree falls, the monkeys scatter
- a little knowledge is a dangerous thing
- a little learning is a dangerous thing
- it takes a village
- village
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- best-laid schemes/plans, the