A rough idea Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈɹəf/ /aɪˈdiə

uh RUFF eye-DEE-uh

UK

æɪ/ /ɹˈʌf/ /aɪdˈiə

uh RUFF eye-DEE-uh

Definition

'A rough idea' means a general or approximate understanding of something, not exact or detailed. You know the main points, but not all the specifics.

Usage & Nuances

Used in informal and neutral settings when you want to say you know the main information but not details. Common with 'have', as in 'have a rough idea'. Not for formal estimates or precise numbers.

• Spanish: una idea aproximada - una idea general
• Portuguese (BR): uma ideia aproximada - uma noção geral
• Portuguese (PT): uma ideia aproximada - uma noção geral
• Chinese (Simplified): 大致想法 - 粗略了解
• Chinese (Traditional): 大致想法 - 粗略瞭解
• Hindi: एक मोटा अनुमान - एक सामान्य धारणा
• Arabic: فكرة تقريبية - فكرة عامة
• Bengali: আনুমানিক ধারণা - মোটামুটি ধারণা
• Russian: примерное представление - общее представление
• Japanese: 大まかな考え - おおよその見当
• Vietnamese: ý tưởng sơ bộ - ý tưởng đại khái
• Korean: 대략적인 생각 - 대충 알다
• Turkish: kabaca bir fikir
• Urdu: ایک اندازہ
• Indonesian: gambaran kasar - perkiraan kasar

Example Sentences

I have a rough idea of the costs.

basic

She gave me a rough idea of the plan.

basic

Do you have a rough idea of how long it will take?

basic

I only have a rough idea; I don’t know the exact figures.

natural

After talking to him, I got a rough idea of what happened.

natural

Can you give me a rough idea of the schedule for tomorrow?

natural