diamond in the rough
diamond in the rough
A person or thing with exceptional qualities or characteristics that cannot be seen from the surface. The new employee initially seemed to lack confidence, but after seeing how hard he works, we realized that he's a diamond in the rough and is really a great asset to the company.
See also: diamond, rough
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
diamond in the rough
Fig. a person who has good qualities despite a rough exterior; a person with great potential. Sam looks a little scruffy, but he's a diamond in the rough. He's a diamond in the rough—a little hard to take at times, but very smart and helpful.
See also: diamond, rough
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
diamond in the rough
Also, a rough diamond. A person of exceptional character or potential but lacking polish and refinement. For example, Jack is intelligent and trustworthy but lacks manners-he's a diamond in the rough. [Early 1600s]
See also: diamond, rough
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
diamond in the rough
n. a person who is wonderful despite a rough exterior; a person with great potential. He’s a diamond in the rough—a little hard to take at times, but okay mostly.
See also: diamond, rough
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
diamond in the rough
One having exceptionally good qualities or the potential for greatness but lacking polish and refinement.
See also: diamond, rough
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
diamond in the rough, a
An individual of intrinsic merit but uncultivated manners. The simile comes from mining, where the uncut, unpolished diamond resembles a hunk of worthless rock but may, after processing, be both beautiful and very valuable. John Fletcher’s 1624 play, AWife for a Month, has it, “She is very honest, and will be hard to cut as a rough diamond” (4.2).
See also: diamond
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer
diamond in the rough
A basically admirable person who is full of potential, but lacks the social graces. The image is that of a raw gemstone that, once cut and polished, will shine.
See also: diamond, rough
Endangered Phrases by Steven D. Price
- diamond in the rough, a
- measure (someone or sth) (up) against (someone or sth else)
- measure against
- measure up against
- measured
- judge a book by its cover, one can't
- have your good, plus, etc. points
- have (someone's or something's) good points
- have (someone's or something's) plus points
- something of a