hard-nosed

American  

[hahrd-nohzd] / ˈhɑrdˌnoʊzd /

Or hardnosed

adjective

Informal.

1. hardheaded or tough; unsentimentally practical.

   a hard-nosed labor leader.

   Synonyms:

   inflexible, stubborn, rigid, intractable, down-to-earth, realistic

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hard-nosed British  

adjective

1. informal tough, shrewd, and practical

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Etymology

Origin of hard-nosed

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

For a decade, Kelce was a regional sports figure, revered in the Midwest as a hard-nosed, consistent producer on the field.

From Los Angeles Times

The Bazball ideology has been exposed by Australia's hard-nosed, ruthless and relentless Test cricket.

From BBC

Carney led the Liberal Party to a fourth-straight electoral win last April, on the promise of taking a hard-nosed approach in trade negotiations with Washington and delivering relief for the Canadian economy.

From The Wall Street Journal

Park’s hard-nosed approach to his themes, his ability to elicit strong performances and his deft touch with complex material have built his lofty reputation.

From Los Angeles Times

"Most employers, even the hard-nosed ones, will listen and make adjustments when they understand that preventing burnout benefits everyone."

From BBC

Related Words

• hard-boiled
• hardheaded
• no-nonsense
• tough-minded
• uncompromising