- English translation
Even when a beautiful person grows thin and frail, they are no less than anyone else; a wilted rose still keeps its scent.
- Literal wording
If the beautiful one grows thin and weak, they are still equal to other people; and if the rose wilts, its scent is still in it.
- Meaning and lesson
The first half says that a person admired for beauty is not disgraced when they grow thin or weak. Because they once surpassed others, the most that this decline can do is bring them level with everyone else, never below.
The rose makes the same point: however much it wilts, its fragrance stays in it. Both images present a worth that outlasts fresh looks, so decline takes away less than it seems to.
- When it is used
Use it to say that someone once admired for their looks keeps their worth after growing thin or frail, and at worst only comes down to the common level. Because it points to a person’s decline, it suits sympathetic remarks better than comments aimed at someone’s appearance.
Cite or copy proverb
How this record reached us: Editorially sourced.
Report an issue with this meaning: Even when a beautiful person grows thin and frail, they are no less than anyone else; a wilted rose still keeps its scent.