Question

Choose the correct meaning of the given proverb-
A leopard cannot change its spots.

a)A leopard needs its spotted coat to survive.
b)One cannot change one’s personality or character.
c)A leopard would lose its individuality if they changed their spots.
d)They have power hidden in their spots.

Answer 1

Hint: A proverb refers to a well-known saying or an aphorism that states a general truth or advice.

Complete answer:

 As given in the hint, proverbs can be seen as traditional and simple saying that are perceived through experience or common sense.
‘A leopard cannot change its spots’ is a traditional saying that refers to a person’s bad personality or character that cannot be changed, even if that person pretends to change it.
The given saying ‘a leopard cannot change its spots’ was derived from the Old Testament of the Bible.
We know the meaning and the origin of the above-given proverb. Now, let’s look at its usage:
Example- The arrogant teacher tried to be friendly towards her students but a leopard cannot change its spots. Here, we can comprehend that an arrogant teacher ‘X’ tried to be friendly towards her students but she couldn’t change her bad personality even if she tried to change it.
Let’s decipher the meaning of the given options:
Option a- ‘A leopard needs its spotted coat to survive’ indicates the natural instinct of the leopard to survive in the forest by camouflaging. It is different in meaning to the given proverb. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
Option b- ‘One cannot change one’s personality or character’ means that one cannot alter one’s bad personality or character. It is similar in meaning to the given proverb. Hence, it is the correct option.
Option c- ‘A leopard would lose its individuality if they changed their spots’ indicates a different meaning from the given proverb. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
Option d- ‘They have power hidden in their spots’ indicates a different meaning from the given proverb. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
The correct answer is Option ‘b’.

Note: Proverbs indicate a different meaning from the actual meaning of its words. We use proverbs in formal writing or conversation to prove our argument or statement.