Rose in bloom was obvious (5,3)
I believe the answer is:
stood out
'obvious' is the definition.
The answer and definition are different parts of speech. However, past participle verbs and adjectives can sometimes define each other.
'rose in bloom' is the wordplay.
'rose' becomes 'stood' (I've seen this in another clue).
'in bloom' becomes 'out' (flowers might be in bloom or 'out').
'stood'+'out'='STOOD OUT'
'was' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for stood out that I've seen before include "Was conspicuous" , "Offered resistance - didn''t go unnoticed" , "very noticeable" , "Was proud" .)