A Leopard Cannot Change His Spots - Idiom Of The Day For IELTS

While you converse in everyday English, using natural and expressive idioms can help you sound more fluent and confident just like a native speaker. Especially in the IELTS Speaking and Writing sections. One such useful idiom is the “A Leopard Cannot Change His Spots.” 

This is one of the most commonly used idioms to describe a person with negative characteristics and that they would not change it even after giving them multiple chances. 

In this article, you will find out its meaning, origin, and practical usage of “A Leopard Cannot Change His Spots” along with real IELTS exam style example sentences and exercises to help you use it accurately and naturally in your responses!

Meaning of the Idiom ‘A Leopard Cannot Change His Spots’

This idiomatic expression “A leopard cannot change his spots” means that people cannot specifically change their basic nature or true character. Mainly if that includes negative traits, even if someone tries to behave with them differently, their real personality will eventually show for sure. 

Where Did the Idiom ‘A Leopard Cannot Change His Spots’ Come From?

This particular idiom comes from the Bible, specifically Jeremiah 13:23

“Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? Then may ye also do good, that are accustomed to do evil.”

This uses the image of a leopard, whose natural spots are pretty unchangeable, to symbolize how people’s fundamental traits often tend to remain the same.

Synonyms of the Idiom ‘A Leopard Cannot Change His Spots’

• Old habits die hard
• People don’t change
• What’s bred in the bone will come out in the flesh 

Antonyms of the Idiom ‘A Leopard Cannot Change His Spots’

• People can also evolve
• Change is not impossible
• Growth is real

A Sample Scenario to Use the Idiom ‘A Leopard Cannot Change His Spots’

In the IELTS Speaking, you can make use of this idiom when describing a person who won’t change their negative traits no matter how many chances you give them.

For Example, Mithusha gave her best friend, Vinu another chance after she betrayed her trust. She promised her that she would change, but very soon she repeated the same behavior. That is when Mithusha realized, a leopard cannot change his spots and she was always going to be the same, no matter how many chances given.

Examples to Understand the Usage of the 'A Leopard Cannot Change His Spots' Idiom in Sentences

• Do not believe her when she says that she would not lie again because, a leopard can’t change its spots.
• My cousin hoped her boyfriend would become more responsible, but clearly we knew that, a leopard doesn’t change its spots.
• Even after therapy, his manipulative nature remained as a leopard truly cannot change its spots.

Mistakes to Avoid While Using the “A Leopard Cannot Change His Spots” Idiom

• Do not use the idiom in contexts where change is truly possible (like learning a new skill or habit).
• Do not take the idiom too literally because it just refers to personality or deep behavior and not physical changes.
• Try using it when you describe someone who keeps repeating negative behavior even when they have claiming to have changed.

Practice Exercise

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blank

Complete the sentences using the idiom “a leopard cannot change his spots” (or its variation).

1. I thought that she had become more honest, but she lied to my face again—clearly, _____________________.

2. He said she wouldn’t be rude anymore, but just yesterday he insulted a client of ours. I guess _____________________.

3. Even though he apologised, he repeated the same behavior. It seems _____________________.

Exercise 2: Cue Card

Describe a person you gave a second chance to. You should say:

• Who the person is
• What they did
• Why you gave them another chance
• And explain whether or not you think they changed

Exercise 3: Match the Sentences

Question: Some people believe that others can change their character over time, while others disagree. 

Discuss your opinion.

Instructions: Use the idiom "A Leopard Cannot Change His Spots” and write a paragraph based on the question.

Practice Exercise: Answer Key

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blank

1. A leopard cannot change his spots.
2. A leopard cannot change her spots.
3. A leopard can’t change her spots.

Exercise 2: Cue Card

I gave my close friend another chance after she spread a vile rumour about me. She, when I found out, promised me that she’d never repeat it, so I chose to forgive her. However, a few months later, she did the same thing again. That is when I realised that a leopard cannot change her spots.

Exercise 3: Match the Sentences

Although change is possible in some cases, deep-rooted personality traits within some people are hard to alter. Individuals often fall back into their old habits despite the temporary efforts made. As the idiom goes, “a leopard cannot change his spots” I would suggest that a lasting change in a person’s character is rare.

Some More Example Sentences Using the 'A Leopard Cannot Change His Spots' Idiom

• “Mr. Wilson could not yell at Fred for stealing his mangoes because he is a very gentle and forgiving person. This instance portrays that Mr. Wilson was like a leopard who cannot change his spots.”
• “I doubt very much that marriage will change Chris for the better. A leopard cannot change its spots.”
  
• ” No matter what John told you, please do not rely on him, I know him too well, a leopard can’t change its spots.“