Natural Traits & Tendencies Vocabulary Set in Human Traits & Qualities: Full and Detailed List
The 'Natural Traits & Tendencies' vocabulary set in 'Human Traits & Qualities' is carefully selected from standard international textbook sources, helping you master vocabulary in a short time. Comprehensive compilation of definitions, illustrative examples, and standard pronunciation...
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a leopard can't change its spots
/ə ˈlep.ərd kænt tʃeɪndʒ ɪts spɑːts/
Example:
He said he would stop lying, but a leopard can't change its spots.
an ape is an ape, a varlet is a varlet, though they be clad in silk or scarlet
/æn eɪp ɪz æn eɪp, ə ˈvɑːrlət ɪz ə ˈvɑːrlət, ðoʊ ðeɪ bi klæd ɪn sɪlk ɔːr ˈskɑːrlət/
Example:
He tried to act like a gentleman in that expensive suit, but an ape is an ape, a varlet is a varlet, though they be clad in silk or scarlet.
the wolf may lose his teeth, but never his nature
/ðə wʊlf meɪ luz hɪz tiθ, bʌt ˈnɛvər hɪz ˈneɪtʃər/
Example:
He claims to have changed his ways, but the wolf may lose his teeth, but never his nature.
the fox may grow grey, but never good
/ðə fɑks meɪ ɡroʊ ɡreɪ, bʌt ˈnɛvər ɡʊd/
Example:
He claims to have changed his ways, but the fox may grow grey, but never good.
/bɔːrn nɑːt meɪd/
Example:
Great leaders are born, not made.
you can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear
/juː kænt meɪk ə sɪlk pɜːrs ˈaʊt əv ə saʊz ɪr/
Example:
You can try to dress up that old car, but you can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear.
/ˈneɪ.tʃɚ ˈpæs.ɪz ˈnɝː.tʃɚ/
Example:
Even though he was raised in a peaceful home, his aggressive tendencies suggest that nature passes nurture.
a crow is never whiter for washing itself often
/ə kroʊ ɪz ˈnɛvər ˈwaɪtər fɔːr ˈwɑːʃɪŋ ɪtˈsɛlf ˈɔːfən/
Example:
He tried to act like a gentleman, but a crow is never whiter for washing itself often.
send a fool to market and a fool he will return
/sɛnd ə ful tu ˈmɑrkət ænd ə ful hi wɪl rɪˈtɜrn/
Example:
He went to the best university but still makes terrible decisions; send a fool to market and a fool he will return.
a bellowing cow soon forgets her calf
/ə ˈbel.oʊ.ɪŋ kaʊ suːn fɚˈɡets hɝ kæf/
Example:
She cried so loudly at the funeral, but as they say, a bellowing cow soon forgets her calf.
we are born crying, live complaining, and die disappointed
/wi ɑːr bɔːrn ˈkraɪ.ɪŋ, lɪv kəmˈpleɪ.nɪŋ, ænd daɪ ˌdɪs.əˈpɔɪn.tɪd/
Example:
Some philosophers argue that we are born crying, live complaining, and die disappointed.
what is bred in the bone will come out in the flesh
/wʌt ɪz brɛd ɪn ðə boʊn wɪl kʌm aʊt ɪn ðə flɛʃ/
Example:
He tried to act sophisticated, but what is bred in the bone will come out in the flesh.