# rough around the edges

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/rough-around-the-edges
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

In need of refinement; unsophisticated.

## Examples

- His new business idea is a bit rough around the edges.
- The young musician has a great voice, but his performance is still rough around the edges.
- Although the manuscript was clearly rough around the edges, the editor recognized a brilliant story hidden beneath the unpolished prose.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.