rough diamond
Britishnoun
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an unpolished diamond
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an intrinsically trustworthy or good person with uncouth manners or dress
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
It said "rough diamond trading conditions are expected to remain challenging in the near-term" with production decreasing and several producers closing mines.
From Barron's ● Jul. 13, 2026
Everyone knew Jackson was a rough diamond, having played just 1,758 minutes of top-flight football, but he quickly established himself as Chelsea's starting striker.
From BBC ● Sep. 17, 2025
Becker signalled he would focus on the mental side of the game and described Rune as “a rough diamond that needs polishing.”
From Washington Times ● Oct. 19, 2023
But this rough diamond in the crown of Seattle parks is worth the effort — no gas lighting required.
From Seattle Times ● Jul. 20, 2023
The awkward girl proves to be a rough diamond, capable of much polish, and by the kindly teaching of Hilary Leaf she is turned into an admirable, praiseworthy woman.
From Women Novelists of Queen Victoria's Reign A Book of Appreciations by Mrs. Alexander
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.