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

While Raducanu's movement has improved on the clay, it was not enough to hang tough consistently with Gauff in the rallies.

From BBC • May 12, 2025

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

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 18, 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

“We’ve been able to hang tough together and get going and then finish the game playing our best.”

From Seattle Times • Nov. 7, 2022

When the miners wondered if they should quit the strike, their wives told them to hang tough.

From "Fannie Never Flinched" by Mary Cronk Farrell