tough as nails
Meaning
Very tough, resilient, or hard to deal with—physically or emotionally; not easily hurt or intimidated.
Origin
It’s a simile comparing someone’s toughness to nails, which are hard, rigid pieces of metal used in construction. The phrase has been recorded in English since at least the 19th century.
Notes
Usually complimentary (resilient, strong), but can imply someone is hard, unyielding, or difficult. Informal, common in speech.
Examples
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After years of working construction in all weather, Miguel is tough as nails.
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Don’t worry about Grandma—she’s tough as nails and will bounce back quickly.
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The rookie looked nervous, but she proved she was tough as nails under pressure.
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You have to be tough as nails to run your own business during a recession.
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The team is tough as nails; even when they’re behind, they never give up.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Typically used as a predicate adjective: “She’s tough as nails.” Also works with linking verbs (“seems/looks”), or as a clause (“as tough as nails”). Fixed wording; rarely altered.
Synonyms
- hard as nails
- tough
- rugged
- hardy
- resilient
- gritty
Antonyms
- soft
- tender
- fragile
- weak
- easily intimidated