hard as nails: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘hard as nails’ mean?
The idiom "hard as nails" means to be strong, tough, or unbreakable in character, attitude, or physical strength.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "tough as nails" means extremely strong, resilient, or determined. It implies someone who can withstand challenges or difficult situations with great fortitude and perseverance.
The idiom "hard nut to crack" refers to a person or problem that is difficult to understand, solve, or deal with. It implies that the person or problem is challenging and requires a great deal of effort and perseverance to overcome or solve.
The idiom "hard-nosed" means someone who is tough, practical, and uncompromising. It describes a person who is not easily influenced by emotions, but rather focuses on facts and realities to make decisions.
The idiom "harden someone's heart" means to make someone's emotions or feelings become less compassionate or sympathetic, often due to experiencing a series of negative or hurtful events.
The idiom "hard done by" refers to feeling unfairly treated or disadvantaged in a situation. It implies a sense of experiencing hardship or being poorly treated in comparison to others.
The idiom "hard-and-fast" means having strict and inflexible rules or principles that must be followed without exception.
The idiom "hang tough" means to persevere or remain determined in difficult or challenging situations. It conveys the idea of not giving up or wavering in the face of adversity.
The idiom "hammer-headed" refers to someone who is stubborn or obstinate, often refusing to listen to reason or change their mind.
"Grit one's teeth" means to show determination or bravery in the face of a difficult or painful situation. It often implies enduring discomfort or pain while trying to remain strong or determined.
The idiom "do it tough" means to face or endure a difficult or challenging situation with determination and resilience.
Diamond Tough
"Hard as nails" is an idiom commonly used in American English to describe someone or something that is tough, strong, or unyielding. This figurative expression is rooted in the literal qualities associated with nails, which are hard and resistant to pressure. The idiom has been in use for many decades and has evolved into a popular phrase that is often employed in various contexts.
The idiom can be traced back to the middle of the 19th century, where it first appeared in writing. Its origin is believed to be related to the physical properties of nails, which are known for their toughness and durability. Nails have traditionally been used in construction and other endeavors that require strength and stability, hence the association with hardness.
"Hard as nails" is commonly used to describe people who are tough as nails, strong-willed, uncompromising, or resilient in the face of adversity. It can be used to highlight individuals who possess qualities such as determination, toughness, or an unwillingness to show vulnerability. For example, one might say, "She may seem gentle, but she's as tough as nails when it comes to negotiating deals."
Additionally, the idiom can also be applied to objects or situations that exhibit similar characteristics of toughness or resistance. For instance, one might describe a piece of machinery as "hard as nails" to emphasize its ruggedness or durability. Similarly, a bone hard problem that requires a lot of effort and resilience to solve can be referred to as "hard as nails."
It is worth noting that the idiom "hard as nails" is different from the phrase "hard as a nail," which is used less frequently. While both idioms convey a similar meaning, the inclusion of "as" in the former suggests a direct comparison to nails, further emphasizing the toughness or hardness of the subject being described.
The idiom "hard as nails" shares similarities with other idioms such as "tough as nails", "bone hard", and "hard-nosed". These idioms all convey a sense of toughness and resilience. "Tough as nails" is often used to describe someone who is extremely strong and resilient, similar to someone who is hard as nails. "Bone hard" is another idiom that can be used to describe someone or something that is unyielding and unbreakable. Lastly, "hard-nosed" is a term used to describe someone who is tough or uncompromising in their approach. These idioms all share a common theme of strength and resilience, making them natural extensions of the original idiom "hard as nails".
The idiom "hard as nails" is a widely-used phrase in American English that conveys the qualities of toughness, strength, and resilience. Its origins can be traced back to the physical properties of nails, which are known for being hard and resistant. Whether used to describe people or objects, the idiom serves as a powerful expression to highlight the unyielding nature of the subject at hand. While its meaning may be clear-cut, the idiom continues to evolve and be employed in new and creative ways within the English language.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *hard as nails* can be used in a sentence are:
- She may seem sweet, but deep down she's hard as nails.
- Despite her age, the veteran athlete is still hard as nails and continues to compete at a high level.
- Don't mess with him, he's known to be hard as nails and won't back down easily.
More "Toughness" idioms
