expression
good wine needs no bush; talent stands out
Proverb meaning that true excellence or talent cannot be hidden, just as the vivid red of safflower (紅) stands out even when planted in a garden. Equivalent to English 'good wine needs no bush'.
彼の才能は紅は園生に植えても隠れなしというように、すぐに認められた。
His talent was quickly recognized, just as the proverb says, 'good wine needs no bush.'
A classical Japanese proverb. The exact origin is uncertain, but it uses the imagery of the bright red safflower (紅) being conspicuous even when planted in a garden (園生).