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

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

From The Verge ● Jul. 1, 2014

"I am a hard nut, I have a hard head, I am a professional and I take the rough with the smooth," the 28-year-old told Radio Marca.

From Reuters ● Aug. 2, 2012

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

One must take the rough with the smooth, of course; but it's a splendid life on the whole.

From The Gadfly by E. L. (Ethel Lillian) Voynich