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The meaning and origin of the expression: A leopard cannot change its spots

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A leopard cannot change its spots

Meaning

The notion that things cannot change their innate nature.

Origin

From the Bible, Jeremiah 13:23 (King James Version):

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

See also: the List of Proverbs.

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