Kenny Ray's definitions

stem the rose

Basically, it is making something desirable or acceptable when an undesirable situation is presented. A rose with thorns intact is considered unacceptable as a gift, but the florist ''stems" the rose, e.i. removes the thorns to thus create a very desirable product.

First we stem the rose, then we place it in the flower arrangement. A dozen roses, stemmed and wrapped, is only 39.99 while supplies last.

by Kenny Ray December 27, 2008