hard-nose

American  

[hahrd-nohz] / ˈhɑrdˌnoʊz /

Or hardnose

noun

Slang.

1. a person who is tough, practical, and unsentimental, especially in business.

   We need a hard-nose to run the department.

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Example Sentences

His administration’s National Security Strategy marks External link a paradigm shift toward hard-nose geopolitical realism to secure access to critical minerals and control chokepoints.

From Barron's • Feb. 19, 2026

But “Spotlight” - an ode to the hard-nose, methodical work of a journalism increasingly seldom practiced - took the night’s top honor despite winning only one other Oscar for McCarthy and Josh Singer’s screenplay.

From Washington Times • Feb. 29, 2016

Yet it has caused one hell of a stir, jellying the jaded reserve of hardcore automotive journalists and hard-nose collectors alike.

From The Verge • Feb. 2, 2016

At his first practice as head coach of the Knicks in 1991, Pat Riley wanted to make sure his players were in top condition while establishing a hard-nose culture.

From Washington Post • Feb. 5, 2015

They said these smashmouth, hard-nose defenses and this gimmick offense ... won't work.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 9, 2012