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Region: General | Usage example: The rookie is a diamond in the rough.

Diamond in the rough

Meaning

Someone with potential hidden by lack of refinement.

Usage

Used to praise untapped talent.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Diamonds needing polishing to shine.

Mining metaphor dating to the 19th century.

Related Idioms

Rough around the edges

Not polished but still promising.

Ace in the hole

A hidden advantage kept in reserve until it's needed.

All bark and no bite

Someone who talks tough but is harmless or unlikely to act.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.