«إِنْ دِبِلِ الْوَرْدْ رِيحْتُهْ فِيهْ»

The image sets a flower's outward state against its essential quality. A rose may wilt, but the scent that defines it stays with it. A visible decline, in other words, does not strip something of the trait that most distinguishes it.

Applied to people, the saying holds that someone of genuine charm keeps that appeal even after becoming weaker or thinner. Whatever made them distinctive continues to show through the outward change rather than disappearing with it.

Suited to remarks about a person whose looks or vigor have visibly waned, affirming that their characteristic charm still comes through. It works best as an appreciative observation rather than as a comment on loss.