Natural Traits & Tendencies: English Vocabulary List

used to imply that a person's fundamental nature or character is difficult and unlikely to change, even if they try

"People do not change their fundamental nature — a leopard cannot change its spots."

"Despite years of therapy, his dishonest habits returned, proving that a leopard cannot change its spots."

used to imply that a person's true nature or identity cannot be disguised or changed by outward appearances, such as clothing or social status

"Nature shows through clothes."

"The rebranding changed nothing about the company's behaviour — an ape is an ape, a varlet is a varlet, though they be clad in silk or scarlet."

used to emphasize that a person or creature's fundamental qualities and character are innate and unlikely to change, despite the passage of time or the influence of external factors

"Wolf loses teeth, not nature."

"Despite his attempts at politeness, his cruel streak always resurfaced, showing the wolf may lose his teeth, but never his nature."

used to suggest that a person's inherent character or nature is unlikely to change, even with age or experience

"Fox grows grey, not good."

"Decades of experience had not made him more trustworthy — the fox may grow grey, but never good."

used to suggest that certain qualities or abilities are innate and cannot be acquired through training or education

"A true leader is born, not made."

"The talented singer was born not made because her amazing voice is a natural gift rather than something learned."

used to suggest that one cannot turn something of low quality or little value into something of high quality or great value, no matter how much effort is put into it

"Cannot make silk from ear."

"No amount of effort could salvage the shoddy materials; you cannot make a silk purse out of a sow's ear."

used to suggest that a person's innate qualities and traits have a greater impact on their development and behavior than external factors such as upbringing or environment

"Nature is stronger than upbringing — nature passes nurture."

"Despite every opportunity provided, his instincts remained unchanged — nature passes nurture."

used to imply that a person's inherent character or nature cannot be changed by changing their external appearance or behavior

"Washing doesn't change crow."

"No amount of rebranding would change what the company actually was — a crow is never whiter for washing itself often."

used to imply that a foolish person will remain foolish no matter how many opportunities or experiences they have

"A fool remains a fool regardless of the task given — send a fool to market and a fool he will return."

"The assignment did nothing to develop his judgement — send a fool to market and a fool he shall return."

used to highlight the tendency of individuals to quickly lose interest or forget about something or someone they once cared deeply about

"Loud grief fades quickly."

"Her initial outrage quickly dissipated, proving that a bellowing cow soon forgets her calf."

used to suggest that from the moment of our birth, we express dissatisfaction and continue to do so throughout our lives, often ending with unfulfilled expectations and disappointment

"Life is full of complaints."

"He had met very few people who seemed genuinely at peace — we are born crying, live complaining, and die disappointed."

used to suggest that a person's innate tendencies or characteristics, inherited from their ancestors, will eventually become apparent in their actions or personality and are difficult to change

"Inherited traits show up."

"His father's temper surfaced in his own actions, demonstrating that what is bred in the bone will come out in the flesh."