diamond in the rough
Hidden gem, literally
A diamond in the rough is someone or something with excellent qualities that aren't immediately apparent—potential hidden beneath an unpolished exterior.
The phrase comes from uncut diamonds, which look like dull stones before being cut and polished.
The scout saw a diamond in the rough in the awkward young pitcher.
Often describes talented people who lack refinement or training.
In original state
- uncutNot reduced or shortened
- unpolishedLacking finish or refinement
- naturalNot artificially produced
- coarseRough in texture
crude · unshaped · unprocessed · unfinished · imperfect · flawed · jagged · cloudy
raw
In original state
- uncutNot reduced or shortened
- unpolishedLacking finish or refinement
- naturalNot artificially produced
coarse · crude · unshaped · unprocessed · unfinished · imperfect · flawed · jagged · cloudy · unworked
promise
Commitment to act
undiscovered · untapped · latent · emerging · budding · nascent · unrealized · dormant · raw · unpolished
- clichescliche, platitude, bromide, tired phrase, worn phrase
- hidden gemshidden gems, best kept secret, rare find, secret spot, undiscovered talent
- needle in a haystackhidden gem, buried treasure, rare find, one in a million, four-leaf clover
- Fixer-Uppersfixer-upper, handyman special, needs work, distressed property, gut job
- achieversachiever, high achiever, overachiever, go-getter, striver
- Aladdingenie, lamp, magic carpet, Jafar, Abu
diamond in the roughfinished product
Completed manufactured good
finished article · masterpiece · seasoned veteran · smooth operator · sophisticate
diamond in the roughflash in the pan
Short-lived success
empty suit · fool's gold · pretty face · veneer · window dressing
diamond in the roughlost cause
Endeavor certain to fail
hopeless case · never-was · write-off · bust · dud
rough, diamond, roughly, diamonds, roughness, roughed, roughen, roughing, diamondback