This phrase literally translates to 'A monkey, even if it dresses in silk, remains a monkey.' It is used to express the idea that you can't change someone's nature, no matter how they appear or try to change their image.
Examples
- Spanish: Puede que Juan se haya comprado un coche de lujo, pero la mona, aunque se vista de seda, mona se queda. Él sigue siendo el mismo.
- English: Juan may have bought a luxury car, but a monkey, even if it dresses in silk, remains a monkey. He is still the same person.