Rough diamond

Meaning

The idiom "rough diamond" refers to a person who has good potential or qualities but needs work or refinement before they can be fully realized. It can also refer to a person who is rough around the edges, meaning they may have some flaws or shortcomings that need to be addressed.

Usage

• "Despite his rough exterior, John had a rough diamond in him and proved to be a valuable asset to the team."
• "She may not have been the most polished person, but she had a rough diamond in her that made her stand out."
• "The company had found a rough diamond in their new CEO, who was able to turn things around with his bold leadership."
• "She was a rough diamond, but she had a heart of gold and always went the extra mile to help those in need."
• "He had a rough diamond in him, but he was willing to work hard to improve himself and become a better person."

Roots and History

The idiom "rough diamond" has been used since at least the 17th century. It originated in England and is believed to have come from the practice of polishing rough stones into smooth, valuable jewels. The idiom likely evolved to refer to people who had good potential or qualities but needed work or refinement to fully realize their value.

Synonyms in English

• "hidden gem"
• "potential goldmine"
• "talented underdog"
• "undiscovered diamond"
• "untapped resource"

Synonyms in other languages

• French - "diamant brut" (raw diamond)
• German - "Raucher".

Similar Idioms

• rat race

• rack your brains

• rest assured