rough edges

rough edges

1. The unpolished, imperfect, or unkempt parts of something that is otherwise generally able or ready for use or action. This video still has some rough edges, but it's pretty close to what we want the finished product to look like. This old truck's got some rough edges, but it's still the most reliable vehicle I've owned.
2. A lack of refinement, sophistication, manners, etc. The workers on the oil rig have some rough edges, but they're good men, every single one of them.
See also: edge, rough
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

rough edges

1. If a person has rough edges, they have small faults in their personality, especially in the way that they deal with other people. The school has a reputation for smoothing the rough edges of its pupils. Note: You can also use rough-edged to describe a person with small faults. He was rough-edged, like a lot of self-made men.
2. If a performance or piece of entertainment has rough edges, it has small faults that mean it is not perfect. The show, despite some rough edges, was an instant success. Weller's singing may have a few rough edges but his fans say that's part of the attraction. Note: You can also talk about a rough-edged performer, performance, or piece of entertainment. She was untutored, rough-edged, but the audiences adored her. Their rough-edged guitar music has become a regular fixture on the college circuit.
See also: edge, rough
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

rough edges

slight imperfections in someone or something that is basically satisfactory.
See also: edge, rough
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

rough ˈedges

small parts of something or of a person’s character that are not yet as good as they should be: The ballet still had some rough edges. He had the rough edges knocked off him at school.
See also: edge, rough
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • (a little/bit) rough around the edges
  • rough around the edges
  • (a little/bit) rough around the edge
  • (a little/bit) rough and ready
  • rough-and-ready
  • rough and ready
  • in rough
  • rough in
  • rough-hewn
  • mow down
References in classic literature
Again he listened, fancying he heard a distant sound in the house; then he felt in his pocket for a match, and kneeling down, passed its light slowly over the rough edges of snow about the doorstep.
High in the midst exalted as a God Th' Apostat in his Sun-bright Chariot sate Idol of Majestie Divine, enclos'd With Flaming Cherubim, and golden Shields; Then lighted from his gorgeous Throne, for now 'Twixt Host and Host but narrow space was left, A dreadful interval, and Front to Front Presented stood in terrible array Of hideous length: before the cloudie Van, On the rough edge of battel ere it joyn'd, SATAN with vast and haughtie strides advanc't, Came towring, armd in Adamant and Gold; ABDIEL that sight endur'd not, where he stood Among the mightiest, bent on highest deeds, And thus his own undaunted heart explores.
The lines are smoother without a tiny speck of rough edges, the fine details are clear, and the colors are brighter than the others.
Josephine generously agrees to take Penny under her designer label wing and polish away some of the rough edges.
Movement is awkwardly limited - no climbing through windows or jumping low obstacles which stymies the action, guns feel pathetic and rough edges abound.
One with rough edges is also an interesting choice.
Unlike sublimation processes, his technique prints photos directly on to slate - rough edges included.
Sacred Grit: Faith to Push Through When You Feel Like Giving Up is about developing a grit and tenacity about life and offers up the idea that God uses such grit to soften rough edges, hone human purpose, and impart meaning and growth to individual lives.
Wesley helps polish her rough edges in return for help with his grades.
Bianca recruits Wesley to polish her rough edges and in return, she improves his academic grades so he can secure a sports scholarship.
Although CBS has done some post-pilot tinkering to tone down the rough edges, the distasteful bones remain in place.
The rough edges of each life rubbed dull by contact.
While its depiction of women and native Americans isn't the most subtle, to say the least, this new version softens a lot of the rough edges by playing on the characters.
However, the rough edges are what give it character, and it is a business that complements the vitality of downtown Millbury.