in the rough
Still needs refining
In the rough describes something in its natural, unfinished, or unpolished state.
A diamond in the rough hasn't been cut or faceted.
The phrase often appears figuratively for potential not yet refined: He's a talent in the rough.
In golf, the rough is the longer grass bordering fairways, so a ball in the rough lies in difficult terrain.
- diamondCrystallized carbon gemstone
- potentialLatent capacity for development
- raw talentInnate ability before training
- untapped potentialAbilities not yet utilized
- nascentBeginning to develop
ore · unpolished · timber · hidden gem · wilderness · fixer-upper · prototype · stone · latent · undeveloped · clay · embryonic · blank slate · crude oil · imperfection · work-in-progress · rugged terrain · uncut
in the roughpolished
Smooth, refined, accomplished
refined · finished · complete · perfected · cultivated
in the roughsmooth
Without roughness or difficulty
sleek · elegant · pristine · immaculate · well-groomed
the, rough, roughly, roughen, roughness, rougher, roughest, roughage, roughed