This proverb emphasizes how some individuals can transform a difficult situation into an opportunity to showcase their worth. In other words, even though the person was placed in an unfavorable situation (symbolized here by thorns), they managed to make the best of it and turn it into something positive and sweet. It highlights the contrast between humility and adversity on one hand, and sweetness and resilience on the other. Equivalent: ‘Making the best of a bad situation’.