Nítāi biàn bù chéng huófó.

泥胎變不成活佛。

Lit [An unpainted] clay figure cannot be changed into a living Buddha.

Fig A person of bad character or poor ability cannot be changed into a person of good character or ability. “You can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear.”

Note [Note: nítāi, (lit) “clay embryo,” refers to an unpainted or ungilded clay figurine.]

Topics ABILITY CHANGE CHARACTER LIMITATIONS nítāi