rough and ready: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘rough and ready’ mean?
The idiom "rough and ready" means something or someone that is not refined or polished, but is practical and effective in a basic way.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "tried and tested" means something that has been proven to be effective or reliable through previous experience or testing.
The idiom "second-rate" refers to something of inferior quality or standard compared to others in the same category.
The idiom "second-rate" is commonly used in English to describe something of inferior quality or value. It is often used to express disappointment or dissatisfaction with the perceived mediocrity or substandard nature of a person, thing, or situation.
The idiom "scratch together" means to gather or collect something, often money or resources, in a hasty or improvised manner. It implies that the process may be difficult or challenging, as if one is scraping or scrambling to obtain what is needed.
The idiom "scratch the surface" means to only uncover or reveal a small part or a superficial level of something, without fully understanding or exploring its depth or complexity.
The idiom "rustle up" means to quickly and resourcefully find or prepare something, often food. It implies a certain level of improvisation and efficiency in obtaining what is needed, usually in a short amount of time.
The idiom "rush in" means to enter or engage in something hastily or without considering the consequences.
The idiomatic phrase "rush in" is a commonly used expression in American English that dates back several centuries. It means to quickly enter a situation or take action without thinking or hesitating. This phrase is often used to convey spontaneity or impulsive behavior.
The idiom "run and gun" refers to a fast-paced, aggressive and spontaneous approach to a situation or task, often without careful planning or consideration of the consequences.
The idiom "roughen up" means to make something or someone rough or more aggressive, usually by adding force or intensity. It can also refer to making something appear more rugged or worn.
The idiom "rough around the edges" means that someone or something may appear imperfect or unrefined, but still has potential or qualities that make them interesting or valuable.
An idiom often used to describe a person who is disliked or considered bad, with negative qualities or behavior.
One of the most popular idioms in English is "rotten egg." This phrase describes a person who is considered bad or unpleasant. The idiom originated in the early 19th century and is still commonly used today.
Untamed Essence
The idiom "rough around the edges" is closely related to "rough and ready." It refers to someone or something that may be unpolished or lacking refinement, similar to the concept of roughness in "rough and ready." However, "rough around the edges" specifically highlights the imperfections or flaws in someone or something, suggesting that they may need some polishing or refining in certain areas.
Another related idiom is "quick-and-dirty," which shares the idea of roughness or lack of refinement. "Quick-and-dirty" is often used to describe a temporary or expedient solution that is not intended to be perfect or long-lasting, but serves its purpose in a practical or immediate sense. This idiom emphasizes the speed and efficiency of a solution, even if it may not be the most sophisticated or elegant.
The idiom "roughen up" is also related to the concept of roughness in "rough and ready." It means to make something rougher or less refined, whether it be a physical object or an idea. "Roughen up" suggests intentionally adding or emphasizing rough or unrefined qualities, possibly for the purpose of creating a specific effect or aesthetic.
An article about "rough and ready" would not be complete without mentioning these related idioms. "Rough around the edges" and "quick-and-dirty" highlight different aspects of roughness and lack of refinement, while "roughen up" adds the notion of intentionally roughening or emphasizing rough qualities. These idioms further enrich our understanding of the concept of roughness and its various applications in language and everyday life.
"rough and ready" is an idiomatic expression that originated in the English language. It describes something or someone that may be unfinished or unrefined, yet still effective or functional. The idiom reflects the resourcefulness and pragmatism of early settlers, who had to make do with what they had. Over time, "rough and ready" has come to encompass not only materials and objects, but also people and their skills. The idiom has found its way into various contexts and is used to describe a wide range of things, from works of art to individuals' styles and manner of speaking. "Rough around the edges" and "quick-and-dirty" are related idioms that add nuances to the concept of roughness, while "roughen up" introduces the idea of intentionally adding rough qualities. Together, these idioms contribute to our understanding of the multifaceted nature of roughness and its significance in language and culture.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *rough and ready* can be used in a sentence:
- Despite its rough and ready appearance, the old truck still runs smoothly.
- The team's rough and ready strategy led them to victory in the game.
- Her cooking style is very rough and ready, but it always tastes delicious.
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