hard-nose
Americannoun
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
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.