take the rough with the smooth
idiom
chiefly British
: to accept and deal with the bad or unpleasant things that happen in addition to the good or pleasant things
In this business, you have to learn to take the rough with the smooth.
Cite this Entry
“Take the rough with the smooth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/take%20the%20rough%20with%20the%20smooth. Accessed 1 Dec. 2025.
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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