it's not all roses

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phraseinformal

   Used to say that a situation is not as good or easy as it appears, because there are problems or difficulties.

   Grammar: Often used as a complete comment. It can also be used with a subject: 'Life isn't all roses.'

   Patterns

   • it's not all roses
   • something is not all roses
   • not all roses

   Being a famous singer looks glamorous, but it's not all roses.

   He told me the job was exciting, but it's not all roses—there's a lot of paperwork.

   Moving abroad can be an adventure, but it's not all roses at first.

2. 2phrasefixed phraseinformal

   Used to describe a relationship or period that has difficulties as well as good times.

   Grammar: Often used with 'marriage', 'relationship', or 'life'.

   Patterns

   • something is not all roses
   • it's not all roses

   Their marriage isn't all roses, but they work through problems together.

   Life after retirement isn't all roses; you have to find new routines.

Common combinations

life isn't all roses

Life isn't all roses, but you learn to cope.

it's not all roses

It's not all roses being your own boss.

not all roses and sunshine

The trip was not all roses and sunshine; we had car trouble.

Synonyms and how they differ

not a bed of roses

This idiom is very similar, but 'not a bed of roses' is often used about a job or life being difficult, while 'not all roses' emphasizes that good things come with bad.

not all it's cracked up to be

This means a thing is not as good as people say; 'not all roses' focuses on the presence of difficulties rather than disappointment.

Opposites

Commonly confused: it's not all roses or rose-colored glasses?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “it's not all roses”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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