Diamond in the Rough

Also: Rough diamond.

Meaning of Idiom ‘Diamond in the Rough’

When we call someone or something ‘a diamond in the rough‘ we mean that their good qualities are hidden. The idiom describes a person who is good but is perhaps uncouth, unkempt, rude, socially awkward, etc. With a little work, this person’s good qualities could be revealed.

A diamond in the rough is the North American variant of the English idiom rough diamond.

Sentence Examples

“I can’t believe you’re dating Eddie,” said Christene. “He always looks like he just rolled out of bed.” “You don’t know him like I do,” said Paula. “I always knew he was a diamond in the rough.”

“The new player seemed hopeless at first, but the coach could tell right away that he was a diamond in the rough.”

“lt once changed the course of a young man’s life. A young man who, like this lamp, was more than what he seemed. A diamond in the rough.” — Aladdin (1992)

“Oh, it’s a jolly holiday with you, Bert. Gentlemen like you are few” “A vanishing breed, that’s me.” “Though you’re just a diamond in the rough, Bert.” — Mary Poppins (1964)

“It was a beautiful gesture of Howard’s.” “Well, Howard is a beautiful person. A diamond in the rough. And I have a feeling that someday soon you’ll be taking that diamond and leaving the rough.” — Intolerable Cruelty (2003)

“He loosened up a little bit when I told him how talented you were. He’s agreed to see you this Saturday. He said, uh, maybe you’re a diamond in the rough.” —  The Man Who Wasn’t There (2001)

“Brandon’s the one for you, Brit. He’s a diamond. A diamond in the rough, I admit, but a diamond just the same. Compared to him, Bug’s a lump of coal.” — My Soul to Take (2010)

“Well, I saw her last Tuesday at Robert’s. And to tell you the truth, I don’t know which was bigger, the hair or the dress.” “Hey, she could be a diamond in the rough, you know?” — Country Strong (2011)

“You’ve done a fine job in turnin’ Elly May into a lady.” “Thank you, Monsieur Clampett.  She is a diamond in ze rough, just like you.” — The Beverly Hillbillies (1993)

Origin Of Diamond in the Rough

A rough diamond is a diamond that has not yet been cut and polished. The idiom is based on the fact that when a diamond is rough, you cannot see it’s true beauty. This idiom appeared, in the form of “rough diamond” as early as 1788 in John O’Keefe’s play “The Highland Reel”:

Capt.: Such talents as yours, he here in an obscure corner of the world! Such powers of eloquence! Why, man, you’re a diamond in a quarry.”

McGil: I am a rough diamond…

Capt: I’ll dig you out to shine in London — a feat in Parliament.

More Idioms Starting with D

• Days Of Yore
• Hot Potato
• Damned If You Do, Damned If You Don’t
• Dot Your i’s and Cross Your t’s
• Don’t Believe Everything You Read

More Rough Idioms

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