腐くさっても鯛たい

expression

a diamond on a dunghill is still a diamond; quality is quality

Proverb meaning that something of high quality retains its value even when damaged or in poor condition. Literally 'even if it's rotten, it's still sea bream'.

• 彼かれは引いん退たいしたが、腐くさっても鯛たいで、まだその技ぎ術じゅつは一いち流りゅうだ。

  He's retired, but a diamond on a dunghill is still a diamond; his skills are still top-notch.