The phrase "in rough" refers to something that is not perfectly smooth or polished. The word "rough" is spelled with the IPA phonetic transcription /rʌf/, with the letter "r" pronounced as a voiced alveolar trill, the "u" as an unrounded back vowel, and the "f" as a voiceless labiodental fricative. The spelling of "rough" is influenced by its Old Norse root, where it was spelled "rufr," and has remained relatively unchanged over the centuries.
The term "in rough" refers to a situation or a state of being that is characterized by difficulties, challenges, or lack of refinement. It typically describes something that is not in its ideal or finalized state, but rather in an early, unpolished, or incomplete condition.
In a literal sense, "in rough" can describe the physical condition of an object or a location that is not smooth or finished. For example, it could be used to describe the rough texture of a surface that has not been properly polished or refined. Similarly, it can indicate an unprepared or undeveloped piece of land that has not been leveled or made suitable for certain purposes.
Figuratively, "in rough" can describe a situation or a project that is at an early stage, characterized by uncertainty, or experiencing difficulties. It suggests that there is still work or improvements that need to be done before achieving the desired outcome. For instance, someone might say that a business idea is still in rough if it lacks a clear strategy or has not been adequately refined. Similarly, when referring to a person, being "in rough" can imply that they are going through a challenging or transitional phase in their life.
Overall, "in rough" conveys a sense of incompleteness, roughness, or struggling, either in a physical or metaphorical context.
The phrase "in rough" is not a common idiomatic expression in English, and therefore, it does not have a well-established etymology. However, it can be understood by analyzing its individual parts.
The word "in" is a preposition that generally indicates location, state, or condition. It signifies being within or inside a particular place or situation.
The term "rough" is an adjective that describes something uneven, not smooth, or in a raw or unrefined state. It can also refer to a difficult or unpleasant situation.
Combining these two words, the phrase "in rough" suggests being in a challenging, unpolished, or unfinished state or condition. It could be used to describe someone or something that is not yet refined, developed, or properly prepared.