Wolves May Lose Their Teeth But Not Their Nature – स्वभाव नहीं बदलता

The idiom “Wolves may lose their teeth but not their nature” highlights the idea that even though someone may undergo changes in appearance or circumstances, their inherent nature or true character remains the same. It suggests that the fundamental traits of a person or animal are not easily changed, no matter how much they might try to alter their behavior or outward persona. Just like a wolf might lose its teeth over time, its wild and untamed nature will always remain.

Meaning:
This idiom means that, regardless of how much someone changes externally (like growing older or changing appearance), their inner character, behavior, or personality remains the same. It underscores the idea that true nature is unchanging, much like a wolf’s instinctive wild nature, no matter how much it might age or lose its teeth.

Used When:

• To describe someone whose fundamental nature remains the same, no matter the external changes.
• When someone is trying to change their inherent behavior but cannot fully change their character.
• When highlighting that true nature, personality, or behavior is intrinsic and unchangeable.

Implied Message:
The idiom suggests that no matter how much someone may try to hide or suppress their true character, it will eventually surface. It is a reminder that internal qualities, such as temperament or personality, are deeply rooted and not easily altered. This could be used to refer to someone who is trying to appear calm or polite but has an inherently strong or aggressive nature.

Hindi Equivalent:
“स्वभाव नहीं बदलता”
This Hindi equivalent expresses the same meaning—that a person’s core nature doesn’t change, no matter how much they might try to change their appearance or actions. It is often used to point out that people’s inherent traits are difficult to alter.

Detailed Explanation
This idiom uses the example of a wolf to show that, although an animal may lose its sharp teeth due to age or any other factor, it still retains its wild instincts and nature. Similarly, in human terms, no matter how much someone might change their lifestyle, habits, or appearance, their core character often remains the same. It can also be applied in cases where a person’s behavior or actions reveal their true nature, even if they are trying to hide it.

For example, someone who has grown older and perhaps appears more calm or refined might still show bursts of their original fiery temper or aggressive nature when pushed.

Example Sentences:
English: “Though he’s become more civilized over the years, his quick temper still shows – wolves may lose their teeth but not their nature.”
Hindi: “हालाँकि वह सालों से ज्यादा सभ्य हो गया है, लेकिन उसकी चिड़चिड़ी प्रवृत्ति अब भी दिखती है – स्वभाव नहीं बदलता।”

Key Takeaways:

• True nature remains unchanged, no matter how much external circumstances may change.
• Inherent traits and personalities are difficult to alter or suppress.
• Personality traits often emerge, even in the face of effort to hide them.

Origin of the Idiom:
This idiom’s origin can be traced back to the way wolves, known for their fierceness, may lose their teeth due to age, yet their untamable and wild nature remains unchanged. The metaphorical use of the wolf is a universal symbol for someone who retains their inherent traits despite changing external factors.

Real-World Examples:

In Personal Life:
English: “She’s become more reserved with age, but when things go wrong, her fiery attitude returns – wolves may lose their teeth but not their nature.”
Hindi: “वह उम्र के साथ ज्यादा संकोची हो गई है, लेकिन जब चीजें गलत होती हैं, उसकी उग्र प्रवृत्ति फिर से आ जाती है – स्वभाव नहीं बदलता।”

In Career:
English: “Despite years of professional training, his aggressive and competitive nature hasn’t changed – wolves may lose their teeth but not their nature.”
Hindi: “व्यावसायिक प्रशिक्षण के वर्षों के बावजूद, उसकी आक्रामक और प्रतिस्पर्धी प्रवृत्ति में कोई बदलाव नहीं आया है – स्वभाव नहीं बदलता।”

Similar Expressions:

English Idiom	Hindi Meaning
A leopard cannot change its spots	बिल्ले का रंग नहीं बदलता
Old habits die hard	पुरानी आदतें कठिन से बदलती हैं
You can’t teach an old dog new tricks	पुराने कुत्ते को नई कला नहीं सिखा सकते

Cultural Perspectives:
This idiom emphasizes the belief that innate characteristics define who we are. Despite external pressures or changes, the essence of who we are remains the same. This perspective teaches us to embrace our true selves and understand that the nature of individuals—whether good or bad—often doesn’t change, even as circumstances do.