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diamond in the rough
/ˈdaɪmənd ɪn ðə rʌf/◆idiom
potential talent needing refinement
The new employee is a diamond in the rough; with training, he could become an excellent manager.
The employee has natural abilities but needs guidance to develop fully.
informal
A person or thing with great potential but lacking refinement or obvious talent.
Many great athletes were diamonds in the rough when they first started playing.
They showed natural ability but needed coaching to reach their full potential.
The startup has a diamond in the rough—a brilliant idea but no clear business model yet.
The idea is promising but requires development to succeed.
Often used to describe someone with untapped potential in a specific field.
Collocations
turn out to be a diamond in the roughto reveal hidden potential after developmentfind a diamond in the roughto discover someone with great potential
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Context matters
Use this idiom when someone has natural talent but lacks training or refinement. Avoid using it for people who are simply inexperienced or unskilled.
Gold Rule
Potential vs. Reality
This idiom emphasizes hidden potential, not current ability. A 'diamond in the rough' is someone who could become great with effort, not someone who is already great.
Word Origin
The phrase dates back to the 17th century, originating from the literal idea of a rough, uncut diamond that contains hidden beauty and value beneath its unpolished surface. The metaphorical use emerged in the 18th century.
Usage Notes
Commonly used in sports, business, and personal development contexts to describe someone with natural ability but needing guidance. Avoid using it to describe things that are merely flawed or incomplete.
Word Breakdown
diamond
a precious gemstone requiring cutting and polishing to reveal its beauty
nounin the rough
in an unrefined, natural state
prepositional phraseEnglish Dictionary