Have you come across someone that you think has amazing qualities that are yet to be revealed? Maybe you stumbled upon an invention that can revolutionize an industry with a bit more refinement. If so, a diamond in the rough is an apt expression that explains such states perfectly. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.
Meaning
The meaning of diamond in the rough is someone or something that has great qualities but lacks refinement. In general, it refers to a person who has an exceptional character, even if they are unable to harness their full potential. The phrase diamond in the rough can also mean that someone with a rough exterior is soft or good on the inside. Overall, it is used to refer to people who look one way but behave differently. It is always used in a positive light regardless of the circumstances.
The original meaning of the phrase was that a person has good character, but lacks education and proper manners. The phrase can be used to refer to people, items, or even projects. For example, someone can look at an undeveloped plot of land and see the potential for a bustling commercial building. In this example, the land would be the diamond in the rough.
Example Usage
“That new dancer is really a diamond in the rough, give her some time and you will see how well she does”.
“Most freshmen students are diamonds in the rough, with the right mentoring, their academic success is assured".
“There are a lot of people who have plenty of talent, they are a diamond in the rough waiting for someone to come along and teach them the right way to go”.
“As a diamond in the rough, it can be hard to really understand just how valuable you are to your workplace”.
Origin
A diamond in the rough means a literal diamond that is uncut and unpolished. The phrase was adapted for use due to the fact that “rough” diamonds look like rocks, so much so that they are often overlooked. The idiom was used to refer to people in the 1600s during a time when education was not freely available. The phrase referred to those with good character but lacked cultivation. The first time the phrase a diamond in the rough was seen in print was in 1624. Famed writer John Fletcher wrote a book titled A Wife for a Month, in which the phrase was found. He went on to explain that the woman has an honest nature, though her manner was hard and rough as an uncut diamond. (a diamond in the rough).
Phrases Similar to Diamond In The Rough
- Uncut diamond
- Underrated
- Hidden talent
- Full of potential
- Creeper
- Raw talent
Phrases Opposite to Diamond In The Rough
- Polished diamond
- Brilliant
- Perfect specimen
- Cultivated
- Experienced talent
What is the Correct Saying?
- The proper way to say the phrase is – a diamond in the rough.
Ways People May Incorrectly Say Diamond In The Rough
- Some ways that diamond in the rough is used incorrectly are:
- I gifted my wife a diamond in the rough to wear for our anniversary.
- Once you graduate from college you are officially a diamond in the rough.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase Diamond In The Rough
Some ways that diamond in the rough is used correctly are:
- Before Adel got her big break, she was living life as a diamond in the rough.
- The advantage of being a diamond in the rough is that you can always improve upon yourself.
- He thinks calling me a diamond in the rough is offensive, but having raw talent is better than being full of empty bluster.
- Of all the people you can call a diamond in the rough, Idris Elba is not one of them. He has been performing since he was a teenager.