take the rough with the smooth

Idioms  

1. Accept the bad along with the good, as in You can't expect to close a lot of sales every week—you have to take the rough with the smooth. This adage was first recorded about 1400. Also see take the bitter with the sweet.

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

take the rough with the smooth

Manchester City’s uncertain future: City and its fans have to take the rough with the smooth — their success would not have been possible without the 2008 takeover.

From New York Times ● Feb. 8, 2023

“It’s been a frustrating year but that’s the game of golf we know and love and you’ve got to take the rough with the smooth and keep trying.”

From Reuters ● Nov. 13, 2015

"If corporations want to be people, they should have to take the rough with the smooth," Oliver says.

From The Verge ● Jul. 1, 2014

Yes, I know the reflexive response: these guys ask for the job, they have to take the rough with the smooth, it’s all part of the game.

From Time ● May 7, 2012

He knows that we have to take the rough with the smooth in life.

From The Simpkins Plot by Birmingham, George A.