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

The get-tough approach still has proponents, but critics argued that it increased the number of dropouts while providing too little benefit.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 13, 2025

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

He’s now reluctant about get-tough approaches that might double down on that mistake.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 19, 2023

Homeland Security on Wednesday announced the new policy, billing it as a get-tough crackdown on at least part of the border chaos that’s spread over the last 18 months.

From Washington Times • Oct. 13, 2022