tough nut

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.

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

Adam Cole, the chief currency strategist at RBC, says he is biased toward a stronger dollar but admits the prevailing foreign exchange view in markets remains a tough nut to crack.

From Reuters • Oct. 5, 2023

There was no way to share such a tough nut of sweetness.

From "The Birchbark House" by Louise Erdrich