玉たま磨みがかざれば光ひかりなし

expression

an uncut gem does not sparkle; success requires effort, not just talent

Proverb meaning that innate ability is not enough; one must polish one's skills through hard work. The literal image is of an unpolished gem that cannot shine.

• 「玉たま磨みがかざれば光ひかりなし」というように、才さい能のうがあっても努ど力りょくしなければ成せい功こうできない。

  As the saying goes, 'An uncut gem does not sparkle'; even if you have talent, you cannot succeed without effort.