Rough round the edges

[bartholomew]

Dear All,

I have heard this adjectivo-expression a lot of times, but I can't look up its meaning anywhere.

What does it mean?

E. g. He was a bit rough round the edges but very down to earth?

[jno]

it means he was good but could still be improved. The metaphor would come from something like a block of wood which would be good for making something with, but still needs smoothing around the edges. It could quite likely refer to his personal qualities - maybe he does his job well but hasn't learnt to be very polite to people.