a leopard can't change its spots
phrase
—used to say that people cannot change their basic personalities, habits, etc.
Cite this Entry
“A leopard can't change its spots.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/a%20leopard%20can%27t%20change%20its%20spots. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
