A leopard can't change it spots
This proverb means that a person cannot change their characteristics. The idea behind this phrase is that people are born a certain way and don't change over time. A leopard is born with spots on its body. It cannot change its color, no matter how hard it tries.
Some people believe that criminals will always be criminals (recidivism). So if some was arrested for stealing after being released from jail for the same crime, we might say, "well, a leopard can't change its spots."
This phrase comes from the bible. In Jeremiah 13:23, it says, "Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? Then may ye also do good, that are accustomed to do evil." Here the phrase is used to help explain that bad people can't do good things.
Do you agree that a leopard can't change its spots?
For more English phrases and quotes, follow me on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/ESL-ToyBox-112152010890485