Take the rough with the smooth

usgb
phrase

To accept both the good and bad situations in life.

He's learnt to take the rough with the smooth in his job.
Visual representation of "take the rough with the smooth" - To accept both the good and bad situations in life

Often appears as...

  • must take the rough with the smooth
  • learn to take the rough with the smooth

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "take the rough with the smooth"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Metaphorical Meaning

The phrase uses 'rough' and 'smooth' to metaphorically represent life's hard and easy times.

Illustration for Metaphorical Meaning
She’s been through a lot lately, but she takes the rough with the smooth.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Positive Attitude

It implies maintaining a positive attitude despite challenges, not just passively accepting them.

Illustration for Positive Attitude
In every career, you must take the rough with the smooth and keep going.
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Idiomatic Usage

Being an idiomatic expression, it’s best used in conversational or informal settings rather than formal writing.

Illustration for Idiomatic Usage
When you move abroad, you learn to take the rough with the smooth.
Visual representation of the word "Take the rough with the smooth"

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