get-tough

American  

[get-tuhf] / ˈgɛtˈtʌf /

adjective

1. characterized by firmness, determination, aggressiveness, or severity.

   a get-tough policy.

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Etymology

Origin of get-tough

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

Although the decline began before the latest policy changes, this get-tough approach has been cited as one of the reasons for the city's success.

From BBC • Aug. 22, 2025

Fremont, a diverse suburb 40 miles southeast of San Francisco, last month became the latest Bay Area city to pursue the get-tough approach, adopting an ordinance that bans homeless camping on public and private property.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 6, 2025

For evidence of Abbott’s intensifying get-tough tactics, look no further than Gate 36, where Abbott first deployed National Guard soldiers and state police in late 2022.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2024

Customs and Border Protection, attributed the drop in crossings to a new get-tough policy on Venezuelans.

From Washington Times • Nov. 14, 2023

That’s attributable, in part, to a slew of get-tough laws passed on the federal and state level, which lengthened mandatory sentences for many crimes.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 25, 2023