diamonds

[blond_law]

what does diamond in the ruff actually mean!?

[Clanad]

Actually, the phrase is "diamond in the rough". It simply means that diamonds, when intially found or mined are often encapsulated in a matrix, or "rough". They are still quite valuable, but their true value cannot be known until they are extracted and finished.

[gary baldy]

I disagree!
I understand the meaning to be that you find goodness in the grimmest of situations or environments.
You could say that for example you can go to the roughest grottiest council estate anywhere with crime and poverty yet you will always find someone who is willing to help others selflessly - a diamond in the rough.

[waimarie]

My understanding of a 'rough diamond' is of a person whose outside apearance may be uncouth, unkempt, uneducated etc. but actually demonstrates positive traits of kindness, caring, social awareness and so on. I suppose the saying 'you can't tell a book by the cover' may be another way of putting it.

[don1]

gary baldy's explanation is the one I agree with.

[woofgang]

every one is right!! Clanad's factual explanation is what led to the metaphor!!

[gary baldy]

Hooray!

[blond_law]

thanks guys, my ex called me it once and i never quite knew what he meant!! do now and i dunno if its a good or bad thing hahah

[gary baldy]

Its a good thing - dont worry about it.