tough guy

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.

“Steve’s a good kid. He made a bad decision. But if you want to be a tough guy, you need to do it during the game, for a blockout, for a rebound,” said Cronin afterward.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 18, 2026

After that meeting, the US president described Sharaa as a "tough guy" with a "very strong past".

From BBC • Nov. 6, 2025

"It is possible, but extremely unlikely, Cuomo can catch Mamdani," said Lincoln Mitchell, a political science professor at Columbia University, saying the former governor's "tough guy persona" dates from another era.

From Barron's • Oct. 25, 2025

Especially a tough guy comedy that lets Neeson mock his lousy taste in roles.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 31, 2025

I’d forgotten the tough guy behind the desk.

From "Anthem of a Reluctant Prophet" by Joanne Proulx