Let the Rough End Drag

A southern term that means "You can't do everything perfectly, focus on the most important things, and put the rest of it out of your mind."

You might say this to someone who is putting too much time or effort into planning unimportant details of something.

One literal interpretation might be: If you imagine that you are moving a board, but cannot lift it off of the ground, then you should carry the side that looks the best and let the rest drag on the ground behind you.

Another variation of this phrase is "Let the Rough Side Drag", which means the same thing.

Joan: I've invited Robert and Kathy to the party, but they don't get along and I don't know what to do.
Sarah: You can't account for everything. Just invite everyone who might want to come, tell them who else you've invited, and "let the rough end drag". They can sort out their own personal relationships; that shouldn't be your problem.

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