Take the rough with the smooth

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Meaning

To accept life's ups and downs, good with bad.

Origin

From 19th-century Britain, tied to roads; 'rough and smooth' meant all, slang by 1860s for take. A 1862 'Times' uses it for a stoic.

Variants

  • Rough and smooth

Usage Examples

  • Take the rough with the smooth-life's mixed.
  • She takes the rough with the smooth; no complaints.
  • Rough with the smooth; keep going.

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