A crow is no whiter for being washed

A crow is no whiter for being washed

The proverb "A crow is no whiter for being washed" is a powerful reminder that appearances can be deceiving. It serves as a caution against trying to change something fundamentally flawed or corrupt, as no amount of superficial alteration can truly change the essence of a person or thing.

In the literal sense, a crow is a black bird known for its dark plumage. Washing a crow would not change its color, just as trying to change the nature of something inherently flawed or corrupt will not make it better. This proverb is often used to caution against trying to cover up or hide the true nature of something or someone.