hard-shell clam

We also have a growing body of biological research showing that fathers, like mothers, are hard-wired to care for children.

He thought they were now in touch with our troops at "X" but that they had been through some hard fighting to get there.

However this be, it is hard to say that these fibs have that clear intention to deceive which constitutes a complete lie.

And it would be hard indeed, if so remote a prince's notions of virtue and vice were to be offered as a standard for all mankind.

Even if poverty were gone, the flail could still beat hard enough upon the grain and chaff of humanity.

"I congratulate you on your engagement," he said at last, looking up with a face that seemed to Bernard hard and unnatural.