You cannot make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear

Dr Brewer had this to say: ‘You must have the necessary materials of facilities before you can make or do what you are expected to … A sow’s ear may somewhat resemble a purse, but it cannot be made into a purse.’ By extension this means that you cannot change a person’s real character. All the education in the world will not turn a vulgar, low-minded ruffian into a gentleman, or a slattern into a lady.

See also:

• What can you expect from a hog but a grunt?