A leopard cant change its spots

Feifei
Hello, I’m Feifei and this is The English We Speak. Joining me is Rob.

Rob
Hello everyone.

Feifei
Did you enjoy Jane and Tim’s wedding yesterday?

Rob
Yes, it was good wasn’t it - especially the party afterwards - all that dancing and drinking.

Feifei
I did notice! I’m really happy for them but I do hope that Jane will help Tim change his bad habits - Tim used to be messy, forgetful and always late for everything!

Rob
I don’t think he’ll change - a leopard doesn’t change his spots.

Feifei
A leopard doesn’t change its spots? I think I know that Rob, but what has a leopard got to do with Tim?

Rob
Quite a lot Feifei. The phrase - a leopard doesn’t change its spots OR a leopard can’t change its spots - means he won’t change. He will always be the same person and his bad habits are here to stay.

Feifei
Oh I see. So his bad habits will never change - they will always stay the same. So Rob, you are comparing a leopard, who can never change its spotty appearance, with someone who will never change the way they behave?

Rob
You’ve got it. Let’s hear some examples of how people use the phrase…

Examples
I told Karen she had to study more if she wants to pass her exams but a leopard can’t change its spots - she won’t do it.

Freddie promised he wouldn’t get into trouble at school but I don’t believe him - a leopard can’t change its spots.

Feifei
A leopard can’t change its spots - and someone can’t change their habits. So Rob, you don’t think Jane will be able to change Tim?

Rob
No - he’s stubborn - maybe he’s going to have to change Jane - she is very neat and tidy and always turns up on time - maybe he could teach her to relax more - chill out.

Feifei
Hmmm - I don’t know if she would change either. Rob, could we say a tiger never changes its stripes?

Rob
Ha ha - yes we could say that - and it would mean the same thing - in that she won’t change. Oh dear, I’m not sure if their marriage is going to last!

Feifei
No… or maybe it will. You know what they say? Opposites attract!

Rob
Yes they do Feifei, you’re right. Bye for now.

Feifei
Goodbye.