diamond in the rough

Definitions

1. An uncut diamond.
2. A person or thing whose goodness or other positive qualities are hidden by a harsh or unremarkable surface appearance.
   figuratively

Equivalents

Examples

“He wants to go try⟳ his luck at that state park⟳ in Arkansas where you can look⟳ for diamonds in the rough and you can keep⟳ what you find⟳.”

“They all wanted money, and they all wanted to get⟳ away from that God-forsaken hole. Diamonds they were after? Well, he could take⟳ them to a place⟳ at the other end⟳ of the world where there were enough diamonds in the rough to make⟳ them all rich for life.”

“Often the inclusions can be cut⟳ out of a diamond in the rough. After seeing what shape⟳ and size best suits the rough diamond, the craftsman will begin⟳ to make⟳ his cuts.”

“Her auto mechanic is a diamond in the rough: tough-talking but honest, even generous.”

“You must tell⟳ me, if you can, that Mr. Hattersley is better than he seems—that he is upright, honourable, and open-hearted—in fact, a perfect diamond in the rough.”

CEFR level