diamond in the rough

Cultural  

1. Someone or something with potential or talent but lacking training or polish: “Her singing voice is beautiful, but she needs help with her gestures; she's a diamond in the rough.” This phrase refers to the fact that diamonds found in nature are rough and uneven. They must be cut and polished to bring out their true beauty.

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diamond in the rough Idioms  

1. Also, a rough diamond. A person of exceptional character or potential but lacking polish and refinement. For example, Jack is intelligent and trustworthy but lacks manners—he's a diamond in the rough. [Early 1600s]

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Example Sentences

But all eyes will be on Malinin, a skater with such unbridled athleticism and talent that the experts say he is still a diamond in the rough.

From Barron's • Feb. 12, 2026

As training camp unfolds, the Chargers may have unearthed a diamond in the rough with fifth-round pick KeAndre Lambert-Smith, the 21st wide receiver selected in the draft.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 9, 2025

Wild Mother had also turned to social media to find her tribe - having been called "a weirdo, an alien, a diamond in the rough" offline - and has built a following of thousands.

From BBC • Sep. 22, 2024

“I think there’s a lot of people on the sidelines thinking, ‘This is a diamond in the rough if you do it right.’

From Seattle Times • Mar. 9, 2024

Most of my siblings regard me as being spoiled and a troublemaker, but Pa says I am really a diamond in the rough.

From "First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers" by Loung Ung