Session 1
The Experiment is a collection of short series that are a little different to our usual programmes - but still help you improve your English.
Our first series, We say - You say, shows how YOUR language can help you remember English expressions.
Session 1 score
0 / 4
- 0 / 4Activity 1
Activity 1
We Say - You Say
We say...
In English we say a leopard can't change its spots or a leopard doesn't change its spots to mean someone won't change. He or she will always be the same person and their bad habits are here to stay.
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.
Watch the video and complete the activity
Sian
A leopard can't change its spots means someone won't change. They'll always be the same person they've always been and they'll always have the same bad habits.
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.
How do YOU say it?
Jiaying
You say 'a leopard can't change its spots' - in Chinese we say 江山易改，本性难移 which means, dynasties may come and go but a person's nature doesn't change.
Keehwan
So, a leopard can't change its spots, well in Korean we have a similar phrase, we say -세살 버릇 여든까지 간다 and it basically means the habits of a three year old lasts until the age of 80 - and this basically means 'a leopard can't change its spots'.
William
'A leopard doesn't change its spots' - well in Spanish we have a similar saying - Genio y figura hasta la sepultura - You carry your temper and personality to the grave.
Sian
So, those are a few examples of 'a leopard can't change its spots' in other languages, what do you say?
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Did you like that? Why not try these?
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You say...
In Chinese - 江山易改，本性难移 (Dynasties may come and go but a person's nature doesn't change)
In Korean – -세살 버릇 여든까지 간다 (The habits of a three year old lasts until the age of 80)
In Spanish - Genio y figura hasta la sepultura (You carry your temper and personality to the grave)
To do
Try our quiz to see what you've learnt about the meaning of today's expression:
How well do you know this phrase?
4 Questions
Decide if these examples correctly use the phrase 'a leopard can't change its spots'
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Activity
Decide if these examples correctly use the phrase 'a leopard can't change its spots'
Hint
This phrase means someone will never change.Question 1 of 4
Help
Activity
Decide if these examples correctly use the phrase 'a leopard can't change its spots'
Hint
This phrase means someone will never change.Question 2 of 4
Help
Activity
Decide if these examples correctly use the phrase 'a leopard can't change its spots'
Hint
This phrase means someone will never change.Question 3 of 4
Help
Activity
Decide if these examples correctly use the phrase 'a leopard can't change its spots'
Hint
Yes, this is the correct use of this phrase.Question 4 of 4
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