tough customer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tough customer" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who is difficult to deal with or has high standards and expectations. Example: "Despite his reputation as a tough customer, the sales team was determined to win him over with their exceptional service."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He is a tough customer.

The New York Times

Robert Fylypowycz met a tough customer.

The New Yorker

Rohan Parikh is one tough customer.

The Guardian

Wal-Mart faces a tough customer service issue.

The New York Times

Monica is a tough customer, resolute and surly.

The New York Times

Whatever your view on Terry, no one could deny he is one tough customer.

Independent

In his press conference Saturday after beating Cilic, Federer said: "Monaco is a tough customer.

The New York Times

For one thing, he's unflappable; for another, he's a tough customer, something of a silent assassin.

Independent

Del Potro, who stands 6-foot-6, is a tough customer to get stuff by.

The New York Times

You must have a tough customer base on the Upper West Side".

The New York Times

He role-played a call to a tough customer, with a legal recruiter named Valerie.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ "tough customer" to describe someone who is resilient or determined, not merely difficult. This can add a layer of admiration to the description.

Common error

Avoid overusing "tough customer" when training customer service staff. Instead of focusing on labeling customers as "tough", emphasize strategies for effective communication and problem-solving to address their concerns.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tough customer" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "tough" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "customer". It is used to describe a person or entity that is difficult to deal with or satisfy. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Sports

12%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Science

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tough customer" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe someone who is difficult to please or demanding. As indicated by Ludwig AI, its usage is widespread, particularly in news and media, business, and sports contexts. While the phrase is generally neutral, caution is advised in formal settings, where alternatives like "demanding client" may be more suitable. When using "tough customer", it's essential to consider the potential negative connotations and focus on the resilience or determination it can also imply.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult customer

A more direct and less euphemistic way of saying someone is problematic as a customer.

demanding client

Focuses specifically on a customer in a business context who has high expectations.

challenging individual

Emphasizes the difficulty in dealing with the person's behavior or personality.

formidable opponent

Shifts the context to competition, suggesting someone who is difficult to defeat.

uncompromising individual

Highlights their inflexibility and unwillingness to make concessions.

exacting person

Highlights the person's high standards and attention to detail.

particular person

Implies someone has very specific preferences and is not easily satisfied.

hard bargainer

Specifically refers to someone who is skilled at negotiating and getting favorable terms.

nitpicker

Focuses on someone who is excessively critical and finds fault with minor details.

resilient character

Shifts from difficulty to strength of character, emphasizing their ability to withstand hardship.

FAQs

What does it mean to describe someone as a "tough customer"?

Describing someone as a "tough customer" generally means they are difficult to please, demanding, or not easily satisfied. They may have high expectations or be resistant to persuasion.

What are some alternative ways to say "tough customer"?

You can use alternatives like "demanding client", "challenging individual", or "particular person" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use the phrase "tough customer" in formal settings?

While the phrase "tough customer" is widely understood, it can be perceived as informal or even negative. In formal settings, consider using more neutral alternatives such as "demanding client" or "exacting person".

How can I effectively handle a "tough customer"?

Effectively handling a "tough customer" involves active listening, empathy, clear communication, and a willingness to find a solution that meets their needs. Remaining patient and professional is also crucial.