Idiom: A diamond in the rough

 

If you have ever heard the term ‘diamond in the rough’ during an English conversation, you may have wondered what it means. We will look into the meaning of this term and where it came from as well as how it can be used in our every day conversations.

Meaning

When someone refers to someone or something as a diamond in the rough they are saying that that person or thing has great potential in what they do and with a little work could be something really great.

It could also mean a person who is generally of good character but lacks manners, education, or style.

Origin

The term ‘diamond in the rough’ actually refers to a literal diamond, when it is first taken from the ground, it is not in the final, polished state that it will be when it is finished. But in its natural state, it is still extremely beautiful and amazing.


Example Dialogs


Conversation 1 

Colleague 1:  Well, we've seen over twenty candidates for the position. Any thoughts? 

Colleague 2:  There seems to be some good potential but the candidate Larry seems to be a real diamond in the rough. 

Colleague 1:  I agree. Larry doesn't have much in the way of social graces and his fashion style could use some work but he is extremely intelligent and understands the business like no one I have ever interviewed. 

Colleague 2:  OK. Let's give Larry the job and see if we can polish him into a top-notch technician. 


Conversation 2: 

Friend 1:  Check out this vintage motorcycle that I bought for only fifty dollars. 

Friend 2:  That is a piece of junk. It is old and rusty and in really bad shape. 

Friend 1:  You see junk and I see a diamond in the rough. This is a classic motorcycle and when I get it all fixed up, it will be a really nice motorcycle, probably worth around five thousand dollars. 


Conversation 3: 

Friend 1: Did you see Lauren dancing at the concert? 

Friend 2: I did, I had no idea she was such a diamond in the rough when it came to dancing. 


Conversation 4: 

Person 1: I found a beautiful antique necklace last week at the auction. 

Person 2: Wow, that’s amazing, it’s a bit of a diamond in the rough but with a bit of polish it’ll come up as good as new.


Example Sentences

  • Emma is a brilliant singer, she is truly a diamond in the rough.
  • I found a beautiful table last week, it’s a real diamond in the rough.
  • I think that new actor is a diamond in the rough.
  • Talent scouts are always looking for a diamond in the rough.
  • Around 20 years ago, companies would overlook a diamond in the rough - someone that doesn't appear to have the skill sets on the surface that they want but would be fantastic for the organization.
  • She's more than what she would seem, in other words, a diamond in the rough.

 

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