📒 having or causing problems or difficulties
- a tough childhood
- It was a tough decision to make.
- During the interview I was asked some really tough questions.
📒 demanding that particular rules be obeyed and showing a lack of sympathy for any problems that this may cause
- tough with somebody/something It's about time teachers started to get tough with bullies.
- tough on somebody/something Politicians believe they have to be tough on crime.
- Don't be too tough on him—he was only trying to help.
📒 strong enough to deal successfully with difficult conditions or situations
- a tough breed of cattle
- He's not tough enough for a career in sales.
- She’s a tough cookie/customer (= somebody who knows what they want and is not easily influenced by other people).
📒 physically strong and likely to be violent
- You think you're so tough, don't you?
- He plays the tough guy in the movie.
- Then this guy started acting tough.
📒 with a lot of crime or violence
- She grew up in a tough neighbourhood.
📒 difficult to cut or bite on
- The meat was a bit tough.
- Overcooking the burger will make it tough and dry.
📒 not easily cut, broken, torn, etc.
- a tough pair of shoes
- The reptile's skin is tough and scaly.
📒 unlucky for somebody in a way that seems unfair
- It was tough on her being dropped from the team like that.
- (ironic) ‘I can't get it finished in time.’ ‘Tough! (= I don't feel sorry about it.)’
📒 to be determined and refuse to change your attitude or ideas
📒 a person who is difficult to deal with or to influence
📒 a difficult problem or situation to deal with
📒 a person or event that is so good or successful at something that it will be difficult for anyone/anything else coming after them to be as good or successful
- She has been an excellent principal and will be a hard act to follow.
- Their contribution will prove a tough act to follow.
📒 to tell people very strongly what you want
📒 very strong and able to deal successfully with difficult conditions or situations
- She’s almost 90 but she’s still as tough as old boots.
📒 used to show sympathy for somebody that something bad that has happened to
- ‘I failed by one point.’ ‘That's tough luck.’
📒 used to show that you do not feel sorry for somebody who has a problem
- ‘If you take the car, I won't be able to go out.’ ‘Tough luck!’
📒 when conditions or progress become difficult (strong and determined people work even harder to succeed)