hang tough

Idioms  

1. Remain firmly resolved, as in We're going to hang tough on this point and not give in. This slangy idiom uses tough in the sense of “aggressively unyielding,” a usage dating from the first half of the 1900s.

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Example Sentences

Market commentators typically advise investors to hang tough during periods of volatility like this one.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 18, 2025

Djokovic proved he could still hang tough with the next generation over five sets when he recovered to beat Alcaraz on Tuesday.

From BBC • Jan. 24, 2025

Morgan State: With leading scorer Wynston Tabbs injured, the Bears were still able to hang tough in a rare opportunity against a ranked team at home.

From Washington Times • Dec. 22, 2023

“It’s something that everybody knows about it and sometimes those things come in bunches too, but we’ve just got to hang tough, like we’ve been doing,” Haslett said.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 15, 2023

“Maybe ... maybe you’re stronger than the others—that’s why you haven’t died. Just hang tough, man. Wait it out.You’ll ...” Empty words.

From "The Kill Order (Maze Runner, Book Four; Origin)" by James Dashner