hard as nails

The idiom "hard as nails" is used to describe someone who is exceptionally tough or unfeeling, often in both physical and emotional contexts.

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Definition

B2General

(informal)Extremely tough and able to endure hardship.

Example

Despite the harsh conditions, he remained hard as nails and completed the journey.
She's hard as nails and never lets anything get to her.

B2General

(informal)Unemotional and unsympathetic, often in a strict or ruthless manner.

Example

Her boss is hard as nails, never showing any compassion.
He might seem hard as nails, but deep down he cares about his team.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "hard as nails":

tough as nails rock hard tough cookie hard out hard by hard nut to crack rock solid tough nut to crack solid as a rock hard case go hard tight as a tick hard r harden up nail it hard metal hard going die hard nail biter play hardball tight as a drum hell-bent for leather