What does “Rough around the edges” mean?
"Rough around the edges" means that something or someone is not polished or refined.
What context can I use the in?
Example
His manners are a bit rough around the edges.
Example
The painting is still rough around the edges, but it has potential.
Example
The new employee is talented, but their presentation skills are rough around the edges
Is “Rough around the edges” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Rough around the edges” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Rough around the edges” effectively in context?
You can use "Rough around the Edges" to describe something or someone that is not polished or refined. It implies that there are imperfections or areas that need improvement. For example, if you meet someone who lacks social graces, you might say, 'He's a bit rough around the edges.'
- 1Appearance
Her outfit was stylish, but her hair and makeup were still rough around the edges.
- 2Artistic Work
The sculpture was impressive, but the details were rough around the edges.
- 3Skills or Abilities
He's a talented musician, but his technique is still rough around the edges.
Similar phrases to “Rough around the edges”:
Not refined or perfected
Example
His manners are a bit unpolished.
Requiring further improvement or development
Example
The painting is still in need of refinement, but it has potential.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Rough around the edges” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Rough around the Edges" is unknown.
Is “Rough around the edges” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Rough around the Edges" is a common expression in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe things or people that are not yet fully developed or refined.
What tone does “Rough around the edges” have?
"Rough around the Edges" conveys a tone of informality and casualness. It's often used in a non-judgmental way to acknowledge imperfections or areas for improvement.
Can “Rough around the edges” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Rough around the Edges" is suitable for both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that can be used in various contexts, such as personal conversations, professional discussions, or written communication.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'The presentation was good, but it was still rough around the edges.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'That painting is really "rough around the edges"!' to express that it needs further refinement.
