"a monkey in silk is a monkey no less"的定义和意义

What is the origin of the proverb "a monkey in silk is a monkey no less" and when to use it?

The proverb "a monkey in silk is a monkey no less" is believed to have origins in 16th-century English literature, with similar expressions appearing in various texts. The saying suggests that superficial changes or attempts to appear refined do not alter one's fundamental character. It serves as a reminder that appearances can be deceiving and that a person’s true qualities or nature are what truly define them, regardless of external changes or efforts to appear different.