a tough nut

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tough nut" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a person or situation that is difficult to understand, deal with, or overcome. Example: "Despite her friendly demeanor, she can be a tough nut to crack when it comes to discussing her personal life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She's a tough nut.

The New Yorker

"That is a tough nut".

The New York Times

"It's a tough nut to crack".

The New York Times

Ralph is a tough nut to crack.

The New York Times - Health

Coconuts are a tough nut to crack.

Columbia University

"Nellie's a tough nut," he said.

The Guardian

Bibi is a tough nut to crack.

The Guardian - Opinion

That is a tough nut to crack.

The Guardian

It has been a tough nut to crack, however.

The New York Times

Gandhi was "a tough nut to crack," Mr. Lelyveld said.

The New York Times

As mysteries go, this wasn't a tough nut to crack.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While usually followed by "to crack", the phrase can stand alone to describe a resilient person, as seen in Ludwig examples like "She's "a tough nut"."

Common error

Do not confuse the idiomatic "a tough nut" with literal descriptions of food or engineering. Furthermore, ensure you do not use it as a synonym for "a tough call", which refers to a difficult decision rather than a difficult person or problem.

How to use

Learn how to use "a tough nut" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tough nut" functions primarily as a predicate nominative or a noun phrase complement. It serves to categorize the subject as something possessing a high degree of resistance or complexity. In Ludwig AI and various sentence examples, it is frequently used to describe abstract concepts like "authentication", "intelligence" or "human nature".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Business & Economics

25%

Science & Research

15%

Less common in

Academic Textbooks

3%

Legal Documents

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "a tough nut" is a highly versatile and correct English idiom used to describe both people and situations that are resistant to easy resolution. Ludwig AI highlights its prevalence in top-tier journalism and scientific reporting, where it effectively bridges the gap between technical complexity and accessible imagery. Whether you are describing a resilient individual or a complex market like "North America", this phrase remains a powerful tool for emphasizing that success will require significant effort and insight.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a hard nut

Nearly identical synonym often used interchangeably in the full idiom "a hard nut to crack".

a difficult problem

Literal equivalent that removes the idiomatic flavor for a more direct meaning.

a hard case

Specifically refers to a person who is difficult to deal with or convince.

a formidable challenge

Elevates the register to a more formal or professional tone.

a tough customer

Describes a person who is demanding or difficult to satisfy.

a complex issue

Focuses on the intricate nature of a situation rather than just its difficulty.

a resilient individual

Focuses on the positive strength of a person rather than the difficulty of dealing with them.

a stubborn opponent

Implies a person is difficult because they refuse to change their mind.

an enigma

Suggests the difficulty lies in the person or thing being mysterious or impossible to understand.

a gordian knot

A literary allusion for an extremely intricate problem that is difficult to solve.

FAQs

What does "a tough nut" mean?

The phrase refers to a person who is difficult to deal with or a problem that is very hard to solve. It is often extended to "a tough nut to crack".

Can I use "a tough nut" for a person?

Yes, it is commonly used to describe someone who is resilient, unsentimental, or hard to understand. Alternatives include "a tough customer" or "a hard case".

Is it formal to say "a tough nut"?

It is considered neutral to informal. While frequently found in prestigious news sources like the New York Times, you might prefer "a formidable challenge" for academic or very formal reports.

Which is correct: "a tough nut" or "a hard nut"?

Both are correct and mean the same thing. "a hard nut" is slightly more common in British English but both are widely understood globally.