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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.


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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

Maryland changed its season when Turgeon committed to using a five-out, small-ball lineup with a hard-nose defensive focus.

From Washington Times • Mar. 22, 2021

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

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