diamonds in the rough
Hidden valuable things
Diamonds in the rough are people or things with potential or value that isn't immediately apparent—hidden beneath an unpolished exterior.
The phrase comes from uncut diamonds, which look like ordinary stones before being faceted and polished.
A coach might spot diamonds in the rough among untrained players: She has an eye for finding diamonds in the rough at tryouts.
- gemPolished precious stone
- jewelPrecious cut stone
- precious stoneRare, valuable mineral specimen
- hidden gemUnderappreciated find
- self-improvementEnhancing oneself deliberately
uncovering · latent · potential · untapped potential · polishing · value · raw talent · transformation · treasure · underestimated · appreciating · hidden · promise · late bloomer · rising star · identifying · scout · uniqueness
diamonds in the roughfool's gold
Iron sulfide mineral
flash in the pan · empty suit · false promise · hollow shell · superficial charm
diamonds in the roughhousehold name
Widely recognized person or brand
known quantity · overexposed · has-been · yesterday's news · old hat
diamond, diamonds, rough, roughly, roughen, roughened, roughening, roughness, rougher