tough nut
IdiomsExample Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Getafe, seventh, often prove a tough nut to crack at home and they frustrated their neighbours.
From Barron's • Nov. 23, 2025
"He was a tough nut, Gene Hackman. But he was really good."
From BBC • Mar. 1, 2025
Dave is a tough nut to crack, no matter what anyone thinks they know.
From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 12, 2023
"Until they do that, the trade pillar will be a tough nut to crack."
From Reuters • Nov. 17, 2023
She was a tough nut, but she could be so sensible sometimes.
From "Schooled" by Gordon Korman
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.
