单词	tough
释义	tough1 adjectivetough2 verbtough3 nountough4 adverb toughtough1 /tʌf/ ●●● S2 W2 adjective (comparative tougher, superlative toughest) Entry menu MENU FOR toughtough1 difficult2 strong person3 strong material4 strict/firm5 violent area6 tough!/that’s tough!7 tough luck!8 tough shit!9 violent person10 food11 tough love Word Origin WORD ORIGINtough1 Origin: Old English toh Examples EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES a tough neighborhood a pair of tough leather boots Being the new kid at school is always tough. Geri's a tough lady. He's a good person to be with if ever you're in a tough situation. I know she's only a kid, but she's tough. In games like this it is more important to be mentally tough, than physically fit. Many of the veteran players had a tough time adjusting to the coach's style. My grandmother was a tough old lady, who lived through some very hard times. Normal floor paint might not be tough enough for the garage. Opposition leaders are demanding tougher laws against drinking and driving. She's quite tough with her students. The box is made of tough durable plastic. The chancellor has got to be tough and keep government spending down. The chicken was very tough, as though it had not been freshly cooked that day. The federal government is introducing tough new rules to control immigration. The governor is trying to show voters that he's able to deal with the toughest issues facing Ohio today. The investigators asked a lot of tough questions. The judge asked the lawyers on both sides some very tough questions. The sailors wore jackets made from tough waterproof cotton. EXAMPLES FROM THE CORPUS Archbishop Fisher went so far as to write a very tough letter to the editor in defence of Ramsey. As the new version of Navigator goes on sale Friday, Netscape is facing the toughest competition of its young life. His head was probably tougher than a brass doorknob. In straitened times, group directors will face tough decisions about allocating resources between divisions. Times were tough and jobs scarce in 1936, and it proved necessary for most young men to land where they could. Westinghouse last week adopted a poisonpill plan to make any takeover attempt tougher. Thesaurus THESAURUS► difficult not easy to do, understand, or deal with: · a difficult question· The homework was really difficult.· It is difficult to see how peace can be achieved in the region. ► hard difficult. Hard is less formal than difficult and is very common in spoken English: · The test was really hard.· a hard decision· It was hard to forgive him. ► tough very difficult, because you have to use a lot of effort, or because it affects you emotionally: · a tough race· Doctors have to make tough decisions about who to treat first.· The team faces some tough competition.· Life is tough sometimes. ► tricky difficult because it is complicated and full of problems: · She had helped him out of a tricky situation.· Merging the two companies was bound to be tricky. ► awkward rather difficult to deal with – used especially when something could be embarrassing: · You’ve put me in a very awkward position.· It was getting dark and foggy, which made the rescue even more awkward. ► challenging difficult in an interesting or enjoyable way: · I wanted a job that was more challenging.· a challenging piece of music ► demanding difficult and tiring, because it takes a lot of effort: · Being a nurse in a busy hospital is a demanding job.· it can be very demanding bringing up young children. ► daunting if something seems daunting, you think that it will be difficult and you do not feel confident about being able to do it: · a daunting challenge· The task seemed a little daunting at first. ► delicate needing to be dealt with carefully or sensitively, especially in order to avoid offending people or causing problems: · This is a very delicate subject, and it can be difficult to talk about it with your parents.· He thanked me for the way in which this delicate matter had been handled. ► strict expecting people to obey rules or to do what you say – used especially about parents, teachers, or organizations: · Our teachers were very strict.· Most schools are quite strict about the way students dress. ► firm showing that you are in control of the situation and will not change your opinion, especially when you are telling someone what to do: · You have to be firm with young children.· I’ll be firm with him and tell him he can’t have any more money. ► tough determined that your orders or decisions will be obeyed, especially in order to make sure that a situation improves – used especially when you think that someone is right to be strict: · We need a government that is tough on crime.· She can be quite tough with her students, but they respect her for it.· The chancellor has got to be tough and keep government spending down. ► stern strict in a serious, disapproving, and rather unfriendly way: · Her grandfather was a stern man who rarely smiled.· Sheila walked into the museum, under the stern gaze of the curator. ► harsh punishing or criticizing someone in a way that seems very severe, often too severe: · Don’t be too harsh on her – she’s only a child.· It may seem harsh to punish him, but he has to learn that this kind of behaviour is unacceptable.· Her reaction to the child’s bad behaviour was unnecessarily harsh. ► authoritarian disapproving very strict about forcing people to obey rules or laws, and punishing them very severely if they fail to do this – used about people and governments: · Her father was very authoritarian and insisted on total obedience.· an authoritarian government rule/law/system► strict a strict order or rule is one that must be obeyed: · There are strict rules about keeping tax records.· He had strict instructions to return the key to me. ► tight tight controls or limits are very strict about what is allowed and what is not allowed: · The report recommends tighter controls on the advertising of alcohol.· There are tight regulations governing waste disposal. ► tough tough laws or rules are very strict: · They want tougher laws against drinking and driving.· The federal government is introducing tough new rules on immigration. ► harsh harsh punishments or laws are very severe, often too severe: · There are harsh penalties for drug trafficking.· The government has brought in harsh measures to combat the rioting taking place in many cities. ► stringent controlling what people can do with rules that have very high standards: · There are now stringent controls on pollution from all power stations.· stringent new food safety regulations ► determined if you are determined to do something, you have decided that you are definitely going to do it, and you will not let anything stop you. Determined is also used about someone’s character, when they usually behave in this way: · I was determined to be a doctor.· She’s a very determined woman. ► stubborn determined not to change what you are doing, especially when other people think you are behaving in an unreasonable way. Stubborn is often used when you disapprove of someone. It is also sometimes used when you admire them: · I wish you would stop being so stubborn!· Churchill’s stubborn refusal to surrender ► single-minded someone who is single-minded works very hard in order to achieve one particular thing, and thinks that everything else is much less important: · During a war, a leader must be single-minded and, if necessary, ruthless.· her single-minded pursuit of power ► tough determined to succeed, even if a situation is difficult or frightening: · In competitive sports, it is as important to be mentally tough as it is to be physically fit.· Gorelick is known as a tough manager. ► firm showing by your behaviour that you are determined not to change your mind, especially when you are telling someone what to do: · What this country needs is firm leadership.· You have to be firm with young children. ► feisty determined and full of energy, and not afraid to say what you think and argue with people – used especially when you admire this person. Feisty is often used about women: · In the film she plays a feisty young woman who is smarter than all the men put together.· a feisty kid with a mind of his own· the city’s feisty mayor ► headstrong determined to do what you want, without listening to other people’s advice or thinking about the results of your actions – used especially about young people: · Her sister was headstrong and impulsive, and made a point of going out whenever and wherever she liked. ► resolute formal doing something in a very determined way because you have very strong beliefs, aims etc: · the soldiers’ resolute defence of the town ► tenacious formal determined and refusing to give up: · McTaggart was seen by many in the environment movement as a tenacious hero.· his tenacious grip on power ► dogged [only before noun] dogged behaviour shows that you are very determined and that you will not give up – used especially in the following phrases: dogged determination/persistence/resistance/refusal: · The team played with dogged determination.· his dogged refusal to admit defeat· the dogged persistence of the defenders ► persistent continuing to do something, although this is difficult, or other people warn you not to do it: · If you want to get a job, you have to be persistent. Don’t give up. ► strong-willed always very determined to do what you want to do, even if other people think it is not a good idea to do it: · She has always been a strong-willed child. ► ruthless someone who is ruthless is so determined to get what they want, that they do not care if they harm other people: · a ruthless dictator· He was ruthless in his ambition. ► mean business to be determined to do something and show other people that you are determined to do it, even if it involves harming someone: · The one-day strike proved that the union meant business. not easily broken or damaged► strong not easily broken or damaged: · The bags are made of strong black plastic.· We need a strong rope for this job. ► tough strong – used especially about something that can be used a lot without damaging it or making it weaker: · a pair of tough leather boots· Kitchen floors need to be tough enough to withstand heavy use. ► heavy-duty [only before noun] extremely strong – used about materials, tools, machines etc that are made especially to be used a lot without being easily damaged: · heavy-duty rubber gloves· a heavy-duty carpet for the hallway ► sturdy strong and often thick, and not likely to fall over or get broken: · a fence made with sturdy wooden posts· The furniture is simple but sturdy. ► unbreakable extremely strong and impossible to break: · Babies need to have unbreakable dishes and cups. ► indestructible impossible to break, damage, or destroy, and lasting forever: · Gold is virtually indestructible.· The pyramids were built as indestructible tombs for the Pharaohs. ► hard-wearing British English, long-wearing American English used about materials and products that will remain in good condition for a long time even when they are used a lot: · Ceramic tiles are easy to keep clean and hard-wearing.· a hard-wearing fabric ► durable especially written used about materials and products that will remain in good condition for a long time – often used on product labels: · The jacket has a durable nylon lining.· Varnish is more durable than paint. ► robust especially written strongly made – used especially about the structure of something, for example a vehicle or machine: · a mountain bike with a robust frame· The hardware for the computer must be robust and inexpensive. ► strict expecting people to obey rules or to do what you say – used especially about parents, teachers, or organizations: · Our teachers were very strict.· Most schools are quite strict about the way students dress. ► firm showing that you are in control of the situation and will not change your opinion, especially when you are telling someone what to do: · You have to be firm with young children.· I’ll be firm with him and tell him he can’t have any more money. ► tough determined that your orders or decisions will be obeyed, especially in order to make sure that a situation improves – used especially when you think that someone is right to be strict: · We need a government that is tough on crime.· She can be quite tough with her students, but they respect her for it.· The chancellor has got to be tough and keep government spending down. ► stern strict in a serious, disapproving, and rather unfriendly way: · Her grandfather was a stern man who rarely smiled.· Sheila walked into the museum, under the stern gaze of the curator. ► harsh punishing or criticizing someone in a way that seems very severe, often too severe: · Don’t be too harsh on her – she’s only a child.· It may seem harsh to punish him, but he has to learn that this kind of behaviour is unacceptable.· Her reaction to the child’s bad behaviour was unnecessarily harsh. ► authoritarian disapproving very strict about forcing people to obey rules or laws, and punishing them very severely if they fail to do this – used about people and governments: · Her father was very authoritarian and insisted on total obedience.· an authoritarian government rule/law/system► strict a strict order or rule is one that must be obeyed: · There are strict rules about keeping tax records.· He had strict instructions to return the key to me. ► tight tight controls or limits are very strict about what is allowed and what is not allowed: · The report recommends tighter controls on the advertising of alcohol.· There are tight regulations governing waste disposal. ► tough tough laws or rules are very strict: · They want tougher laws against drinking and driving.· The federal government is introducing tough new rules on immigration. ► harsh harsh punishments or laws are very severe, often too severe: · There are harsh penalties for drug trafficking.· The government has brought in harsh measures to combat the rioting taking place in many cities. ► stringent controlling what people can do with rules that have very high standards: · There are now stringent controls on pollution from all power stations.· stringent new food safety regulations ► hard difficult to press down, break, or cut, and not at all soft: · I fell onto the hard stone floor.· The clay gets harder as it dries. ► firm not completely hard, but not easy to press or bend – used especially when this seems a good thing: · I like to sleep on a firm mattress.· exercises to make your stomach muscles nice and firm· The pears were firm and juicy. ► stiff difficult to bend and not changing shape: · a piece of stiff cardboard· The collar of his shirt felt stiff and uncomfortable. ► solid made of a thick hard material and not hollow: · a solid oak door· The floor felt strong and solid beneath her feet. ► rigid having a structure that is made of a material that is difficult or impossible to bend: · The tent is supported by a rigid frame.· Carry sandwiches in a rigid container. ► crisp/crispy used about food that is pleasantly hard, so that it makes a noise when you bite it – often used about things that have been cooked in thin slices until they are brown: · Bake the cookies until they are crisp and golden.· crispy bacon ► crunchy food that is crunchy makes a noise when you bite on it – often used about things that are fresh, for example fruit, vegetables, and nuts: · a crunchy breakfast cereal· The carrots were still nice and crunchy.· a crunchy salad· crunchy peanut butter ► tough meat that is tough is too hard and is difficult to cut or eat: · The meat was tough and flavourless. ► rubbery too hard and bending like rubber rather than breaking – used especially about meat: · The chicken was all rubbery. Longman Language Activatorsomeone who has a determined character► determined someone who is determined works very hard to achieve what they want to achieve, and will not let problems stop them: · Not many women went to university in those days, but Dorothy was a very determined woman.· I was immediately impressed by how determined he was. ► single-minded someone who is single-minded works very hard in order to achieve one particular thing, and thinks that everything else is much less important: · During a war, a leader must be single-minded and, if necessary, ruthless.somebody's single-minded pursuit of something: · Many athletes withdraw from the world in their single-minded pursuit of their sport.single-minded determination/ambition/commitment: · Her single-minded commitment to the job meant that she had little time left for her family. ► strong-willed always very determined to do what you want to do, even if other people think it is not a good idea to do it: · At seventy-nine, she is as strong-willed as she ever was.· Sally was only 14, but Nick no longer knew how to handle his strong-willed young daughter. ► uncompromising unwilling to change your opinions or intentions because you are sure you are right, even when other people think you are being unreasonable: · At work, George was known as an uncompromising businessman.· The District Officers were uncompromising in their opposition to the proposals of the wildlife conservationists. ► feisty someone who is feisty is determined to get what they want, and is not afraid of stating their opinion, or fighting for it: · Davis was known in Hollywood as the feistiest actress of her day.· Pavlov was feisty in his opposition to the Soviets, but, aware of his fame, they were forced to ignore his insults.· Riordan frequented the restaurant for 40 years, coming back for the food and the feisty attitude of the staff. ► tough someone who is tough is determined to succeed at anything they do, and does not let difficult or frightening situations stop them: · My grandmother was a tough old lady, who lived through some very hard times.· In games like this it is more important to be mentally tough, than physically fit.· Voters traditionally believe that women are not as tough as men on crime and defense issues. a time when you have a lot of problems► difficult/hard use this about a period of time when you have a lot of problems or a lot of bad things happen to you: · The last few months have been especially hard for her.· Those few days were so difficult that I decided to leave my job.· 1996 was perhaps the worst year the automobile industry has faced so far.have a difficult/hard time: · Most families have a very difficult time dealing with a family member's drug addiction. ► bad use this about a period of time when there are a lot of problems, especially when these are very serious: · It seemed that the bad years were finally behind me.(have a) bad time: · He had an especially bad time at boarding school. ► tough spoken use this about a situation or period of time when you have had a lot of problems or a lot of bad things have happened to you: · He's a good person to be with if ever you're in a tough situation.· Many of the veteran players had a tough time adjusting to the coach's style. difficult to do or understand► difficult · That's a good question, but it's a difficult one to answer.difficult for · The reading exercise was very difficult for most of the children.difficult to see/hear/describe etc · The insects are so small that they are difficult to see without using a microscope.it is difficult (for somebody) to do something · It's very difficult to find people who are willing to do the job.find it difficult to do something · Until now, patients often found it difficult to get information about their rights. make it difficult for somebody to do something · My mother's illness makes it difficult for her to walk. ► hard not easy to do or understand. Hard is less formal than difficult: · I thought the exam was really hard.· The hardest thing about moving to a new place was meeting new people.it is hard (for somebody) to do something: · It's hard to see the stage from here.· It was hard for me to understand her - her accent was very strong.find it hard to do something: · I find it hard to believe that he didn't know the gun was loaded. ► tough very difficult to do or deal with - use this about jobs, decisions, questions, or problems: · The judge asked the lawyers on both sides some very tough questions.· The governor is trying to show voters that he's able to deal with the toughest issues facing Ohio today. ► be a tall order spoken use this about something difficult you have been asked to do, especially when you do not think it is likely you will be able to do it: · "Can you finish the work by Friday?'' "Sounds like a tall order to me, but I'll see what I can do.'' ► easier said than done spoken use this to tell someone that something is much more difficult than they think it is: · Talking calmly to a screaming child sounds like a good idea, but any parent will tell you it's easier said than done. ► not the easiest : not the easiest...to do spoken use this to say that it is difficult to do something: · I'll drive you there -- it's not the easiest place to get to if you don't have a car.· I tried to explain it to him, but he's not the easiest person to talk to. ► not an easy.../be no easy... use this to say that something is difficult to do or make: · Finding a solution to the present crisis in the region is no easy task.not an easy task/job/decision: · The roads are often dangerous, and getting food to the villages has not been an easy task. ► a pain (in the neck) spoken something that is difficult and annoying to do or deal with: · It was a pain - I had to read more than 200 articles - but I learned a lot from it.· Getting across town at rush hour is a real pain in the neck. food► hard food that is hard is difficult to bite through and not nice to eat: · I've cooked the potatoes for half an hour but they still seem a bit hard.· That candy was so hard I nearly broke a tooth.go hard: · Keep the cake in a tin, to prevent it from going hard. ► tough food, especially meat, that is tough is difficult to cut or eat, for example because it is too old or has been cooked for too long: · The chicken was very tough, as though it had not been freshly cooked that day.· You can throw away the tough outer leaves of the cabbage. ► crunchy food that is crunchy is firm and fresh, and makes a noise when you bite it: · Children love crunchy breakfast cereals and they're full of vitamins too.· For lunch I usually have something simple, with a fresh crunchy salad. ► crisp /crispy food, especially fruit or vegetables, that is crisp is firm and fresh, or has been cooked until it is quite hard and slightly brown: · a delicious crisp green apple· You can serve the chicken with a crispy stir fry of mixed vegetables.· Bake the pastry at 180 for about twenty minutes until crisp and golden. ► firm fruit or vegetables that are firm are not soft when you press them: · Buy peaches that are quite firm, as they ripen very quickly indoors.· For this recipe you will need six firm tomatoes. rules/laws/systems► strict strict rules, laws, etc are very clear and must always be obeyed: · There are strict rules about the use of dangerous chemicals.· He had strict instructions to return the key to me. ► tough tough laws or rules are very strict and do not allow much freedom: · The federal government is introducing tough new rules to control immigration.· Opposition leaders are demanding tougher laws against drinking and driving. ► harsh a harsh law or system of government has strict rules and severe punishments - use this about something that you think is unfair and too strict: · The government has brought in harsh measures to combat the rioting taking place in many cities.· a harsh military regime ► stringent controlled very strictly by rules that have very high standards: stringent controls/measures/regulations etc: · There are now stringent controls on pollution from all power stations.· stringent air safety regulations ► rigid rigid systems or rules are very strict and difficult to change: · He built the team through hard training and rigid discipline.· It is not possible to lay down rigid rules on sentencing - judges must be free to use their discretion. ► tight tight controls or limits are very strict about what is allowed and what is not allowed: · The report recommends tighter controls on the advertising of cigarettes.· Laws controlling the emission of greenhouse gases are not nearly tight enough. ► draconian formal: draconian laws/measures/penalties etc laws or punishments that are extremely strict or cruel: · The government has imposed draconian penalties for anyone found in possession of illegal drugs.· Draconian measures have been implemented to control population growth. people/organizations► strict someone who is strict makes people obey rules and refuses to let people disobey them - use this especially about parents, teachers, or organizations: · Teachers need to be strict , but also fair.strict with: · I think you're too strict with your children.strict about: · The manager is very strict about people getting to work on time.· Most schools are quite strict about the way students dress. ► firm if you are firm with someone, you tell them that they must accept what you say because you are not going to change it: · Emily was polite but firm - her answer was 'no'.firm with: · You'll just have to be firm with him and tell him he can't have any more money. ► tough informal determined that your orders or decisions will be obeyed, especially in order to make sure a situation or someone's progress improves - use this especially when you think that someone is right to be strict: · The chancellor has got to be tough and keep government spending down.tough on: · We need a government that is tough on crime.tough with: · She's quite tough with her students. ► stern written strict in a serious, disapproving, and unfriendly way: · Her grandfather was a stern man who rarely smiled.· Sheila walked into the museum, under the stern gaze of the curator. ► harsh cruel and not sympathetic in the way that you deal with bad behaviour or mistakes: · It may seem harsh to punish him, but he has to learn that this kind of behaviour is unacceptable.· Her reaction to the child's bad behaviour was unnecessarily harsh. ► authoritarian forcing people to obey rules or laws, and punishing them severely if they do not: · Their father was authoritarian in the home, insisting on total obedience.· Many people are now demanding a more democratic and less authoritarian form of government.authoritarian regime: · an extreme right-wing, authoritarian regime ► be a stickler for to demand that people keep strictly to rules, customs etc, especially in a way that people think is unnecessary and old-fashioned: · The caretaker is a real stickler for rules.· My mother was a stickler for cleanliness. ► disciplinarian a very strict person who believes that people should obey rules and orders, and who punishes those who do not: · The store manager was a disciplinarian, but was always fair to his staff.strict disciplinarian: · She was a wonderful teacher, but a strict disciplinarian. to treat someone strictly► be hard on to treat someone very strictly and sometimes unfairly: · Sometimes I think you're too hard on that boy.· Don't be too hard on her. She didn't mean to break it. ► get tough with to begin to treat someone strictly because they have been doing something that is wrong or illegal: · At last the government is starting to get tough with dealers who sell dangerous second-hard cars.· Football clubs have been told that they must get tough with violent fans. ► stand/take no nonsense if you say that you stand or take no nonsense , you mean you treat other people strictly, but in a way that makes people respect you: · I won't stand any nonsense. I want you all in bed by nine o'clock.stand/take no nonsense from: · She was a very good teacher who would take no nonsense from her students. ► rule with a rod of iron to control an organization or group of people very strictly, by always punishing people if they do not obey you: · Their mother ruled their life with a rod of iron.· The Secret police ruled the city with a rod of iron. ► keep a tight rein on to strictly control someone's behaviour, for example by not allowing them to do things without asking your permission: · They keep a very tight rein on their children.· The government has promised to keep a tight rein on public spending. strong and healthy, and able to deal with illnesses, difficult conditions etc► strong · She had three young daughters, all strong and healthy.· After a week in bed I felt strong enough to try walking a few steps.have a strong constitution (=have a naturally strong and healthy body) · Despite his strong constitution, his health was beginning to suffer. ► sturdy strong and healthy-looking, and a little short: · Maria was small and sturdy, with dark hair and dark eyes.· Mrs Harding herself was thin and frail but her son was a sturdy sixteen-year- old.· The ponies used underground were sturdy little animals that came originally from Northern Spain. ► robust someone who is robust , is strong and healthy and unlikely to become ill or get tired easily: · Though he was over seventy, he was still robust and active.· Less robust persons might need a siesta, but Eva worked right through from dawn till dusk. ► hardy people who are hardy are naturally strong and healthy and can live in very difficult or uncomfortable conditions: · The people who lived in the hills were a hardy and hard-working race.· Charolais cattle do not like rain or too much cold. They are not hardy animals. ► tough physically and mentally strong, so that you can live through very difficult conditions: · When Aunt Agnes caught cholera out in India, we all expected her to die -- but she's a tough old lady and she pulled through.· I know she's only a kid, but she's tough. ► resilient someone who is resilient , especially a young person, is strong and healthy, so that they are only affected for a short time by illness, difficulties, or sudden changes in their lives: · Amy will soon be out of hospital -- children of her age are very resilient.· Being twenty-three years old and quite resilient, I got over the shock pretty quickly. strong thing/material► strong something that is strong cannot be broken or destroyed easily: · The bags are made of strong black plastic· You'll need a strong piece of rope for towing the car.· After full heat treatment, the alloy proved to be five times as strong as the pure aluminium. ► solid a building or piece of furniture that is solid is strong and well made: · The table seemed solid enough, so I climbed up onto it.· rows of solid little houses built of local stoneas solid as a rock (=very solid): · He rapped his knuckles against the body of the sink unit. It was as solid as a rock. ► tough not easily cut or damaged - use this about cloth, leather, plastic etc: · The sailors wore jackets made from tough waterproof cotton.· a pair of tough leather boots· Normal floor paint might not be tough enough for the garage. ► durable substances or products that are durable are strong and will last a long time, even if they are used a lot: · Bronze is harder and more durable than tin.· What you need for Africa is a simple, durable and inexpensive vehicle.· The roofs are constructed from heavy and durable timbers, usually teak or mahogany. ► heavy-duty heavy-duty materials, tools, machines etc are specially made to be stronger than usual, often because they are going to be used a lot or used in difficult conditions: · If you are going to put an electric cable underground, you must use the special heavy-duty type.· The emergency equipment includes food, a first-aid kit, and a heavy-duty flashlight. ► hardwearing a hardwearing cloth or material is strong and will last a long time, even if it is used a lot: · Polyester is not particularly hardwearing but it is cheap.· It's best to lay a good quality, hardwearing carpet. ► reinforced a reinforced material or part has had other materials or parts added to make it stronger: · A reinforced concrete dome, two metres thick, protects the radioactive core of the nuclear reactor.· Like all the clothes in the range it has specially reinforced seams. ► unbreakable something that is unbreakable is difficult or impossible to break because it is made of a very strong substance: · Make sure your patio doors are made of unbreakable glass.· a virtually unbreakable vacuum flask ► indestructible impossible to break, damage or destroy: · Until the accident, the ship was considered indestructible.· There is little point putting an indestructible door in a frame that will rot in 10 years. WORD SETS► Food abalone, nounacetic acid, nounadditive, nounaftertaste, nounà la carte, adjectiveal dente, adjectivealfresco, adjectiveambrosia, nounangelica, nounaniseed, nounantipasto, nounappetizer, nounarrowroot, nounbad, adjectivebaker, nounbaking powder, nounbaking soda, nounbanana split, nounbanger, nounbanquet, nounbanqueting hall, nounbarbie, nounbarley, nounbasil, nounbass, nounbatch, nounbay leaf, nounBBQ, nounbean, nounbean curd, nounbeansprout, nounbeef, nounbeefburger, nounbeefsteak, nounbeet, nounbell pepper, nounberry, nounbetel, nounbetel nut, nounbicarbonate of soda, nounbilberry, nounbill of fare, nounbinge, nounbinge, verbbistro, nounblackberry, nounblack-eyed bean, nounblack pepper, nounblack pudding, nounblend, verbblend, nounblueberry, nounboard, nounbolt, verbbone, verbbon vivant, nounbony, adjectivebox lunch, nounbramble, nounbran, nounbrandy butter, nounbrasserie, nounbrawn, nounbreakfast, nounbrisket, nounbroiler, nounbroiler chicken, nounbroth, nounbrown rice, nounbrunch, nounbubble gum, nounbuckwheat, nounbuffet, nounbun, nounbus, verbbusboy, nounbutcher, nounbutcher, verbbutchery, nounbuttercream, nounbutty, nouncafé, nouncafeteria, nouncaff, nouncaffeine, nouncake, nouncan, verbcandy, nouncanned, adjectivecapon, nouncapsicum, nouncaraway, nouncarbohydrate, nouncare package, nouncarvery, nouncassava, nouncater, verbcaterer, nouncatering, nouncatsup, nouncatwalk, nouncayenne pepper, nouncereal, nouncheese, nounchef, nouncherry tomato, nounchickpea, nounchilli, nounChinese, nounchip shop, nounchives, nounchocolate, nounchocolatey, adjectiveChristmas dinner, nounchuck steak, nouncitric acid, nouncitron, nounclotted cream, nounclub sandwich, nouncob, nouncobbler, nouncocoa, nouncocoa bean, nouncoconut milk, nouncoffee house, nouncoffee shop, nouncold cuts, nouncold storage, nouncold store, nouncommissary, nounconcentrate, nouncondensed milk, nouncondiment, nouncone, nounconfection, nounconfectioner, nounconfectioner's sugar, nounconfectionery, nounconserve, nouncontent, nouncontinental breakfast, nounconvenience food, nouncook-chill, adjectivecooker, nouncookie, nouncooking, nouncooking oil, nouncorn bread, nouncorn chip, nouncorncob, nouncorned beef, nouncornet, nouncornflakes, nouncornflour, nouncornmeal, nouncorn on the cob, nouncorn pone, nouncornstarch, nouncorn syrup, nouncottage cheese, nouncotton candy, nouncourgette, nouncourse, nouncover charge, nouncrab, nouncrab apple, nouncracker, nouncrackling, nouncranberry, nouncrayfish, nouncream, nouncream cheese, nouncream cracker, nouncreamer, nouncreamy, adjectivecress, nouncrisp, nouncrisp, adjectivecrispbread, nouncrispy, adjectivecroissant, nouncroquette, nouncrouton, nouncrumb, nouncrumpet, nouncrunchy, adjectivecrust, nouncrusty, adjectivecrystallized, adjectivecucumber, nouncud, nouncuisine, nouncupcake, nouncurd, nouncurdle, verbcurrant, nouncustard, nouncut, nouncutlet, noundainty, nounDanish pastry, noundate, noundefrost, verbdelicacy, noundemerara sugar, noundesiccated, adjectivedevilled, adjectivedevour, verbdiabetic, adjectivedigest, verbdigestible, adjectivedill, noundill pickle, noundine, verbdiner, noundining car, noundinner, noundinner dance, noundinner party, noundinner theater, noundinnertime, noundissolve, verbdoggy bag, noundoily, noundollop, noundough, noundown, verbdrain, verbdredge, verbdried, adjectivedried fruit, noundripping, noundrumstick, noundry goods, noundunk, verbEaster egg, nouneat, verbeatery, nouneating apple, nouneats, nounEccles cake, nounéclair, nounEdam, nounedible, adjectiveeel, nounegg, nouneggplant, nounegg roll, nounelevenses, nounendive, nounEnglish breakfast, nounEnglish muffin, nounentrée, nounepicure, nounescalope, nounevaporated milk, nounfast food, nounfeed, verbfeed, nounfeta cheese, nounfig, nounfilbert, nounfillet, verbfilling, adjectivefilling, nounfilo, nounflounder, nounfloury, adjectiveflyblown, adjectivefoil, nounfoodstuff, nounforage, nounfork, verbfortify, verbfreeze-dried, adjectiveFrench bean, nounFrench bread, nounFrench dressing, nounFrench fry, nounFrench loaf, nounFrench stick, nounfries, nounfromage frais, nounfrozen, adjectivefruit, nounfudge, nounfull-fat, adjectivegaram masala, noungarlic, noungarnish, noungarnish, verbgastronomic, adjectivegastronomy, noungel, verbginger, nounglass, nounglassware, noungolden raisin, noungoody, noungourmand, noungrain, nounGranary, adjectivegranulated, adjectivegreasy, adjectivegreasy spoon, noungreen, adjectivegrill, noungristle, noungrocer, nounground, adjectiveground beef, noungrub, noungruel, nounguava, noungum, noungumball, noungumbo, noungumdrop, nounhalal, adjectivehalibut, nounham, nounhamburger, nounhaunch, nounhead table, nounhealth food, nounheart, nounhearty, adjectiveheat, nounherb, nounhigh tea, nounhome economics, nounhot dish, nounhygiene, nounhygienic, adjectiveiceman, nounindigestible, adjectiveindigestion, nouninedible, adjectiveinfected, adjectiveingest, verbinn, nouninsipid, adjectiveintake, nounirradiate, verbjellied, adjectivejoint, nounjuice, nounjuicy, adjectivejunk, nounjunk food, nounknuckle, nounkosher, adjectivelaxative, nounlean, adjectiveleavings, nounleg, nounlight, adjectiveliquorice, nounlive, adjectiveloaf, nounlocker, nounloin, nounlotus, nounlukewarm, adjectivelump, nounlunch, nounlunch, verblunchbox, nounlunch break, nounluncheon, nounlunch hour, nounlunchroom, nounlunchtime, nounluscious, adjectivemace, nounMadeira cake, nounmain course, nounmaitre d', nounmaize, nounmandarin, nounmandarin orange, nounmangetout, nounmango, nounmaple syrup, nounmargarine, nounmarge, nounmarmalade, nounmarrow, nounmarshmallow, nounMason jar, nounmasticate, verbmature, adjectivemature, verbmeal, nounmealie, nounmealtime, nounmealy, adjectivemeat, nounmeat-packing, nounmeaty, adjectivemellow, adjectivementhol, nounmentholated, adjectivemenu, nounmess, nounmess, verbmess hall, nounmilk chocolate, nounmillet, nounmince, nounmint, nounmocha, nounmolasses, nounmoreish, adjectivemorsel, nounmouldy, adjectivemouth, nounmouthful, nounMSG, nounmunch, verbmung bean, nounmush, nounmushroom, nounmustard, nounnibble, verbnibble, nounnosh, nounnourish, verbnourishment, nounnugget, nounnut, nounnutcracker, nounnutshell, nounnutty, adjectiveoatmeal, nounoats, nounoffal, nounokra, nounon, prepositiononion, nounorder, nounoregano, nounorganic, adjectiveoverindulge, verboxtail, nounpackaging, nounpacker, nounpap, nounparcel, nounpaste, nounpastille, nounpastry, nounpatisserie, nounpearl barley, nounpectin, nounpeel, verbpeel, nounpepper, nounpepper, verbpeppercorn, nounpeppermint, nounperishable, adjectivepetit four, nounpiccalilli, nounpicnic, nounpicnic, verbpie, nounpilaff, nounpilau, nounpimento, nounpinto bean, nounpit, nounpizza parlor, nounpizzeria, nounplain chocolate, nounplain flour, nounploughman's lunch, nounpoor boy, nounpork, nounpork pie, nounpork rinds, nounporridge, nounporterhouse steak, nounportion, nounpostprandial, adjectivepotato, nounpotato crisp, nounpotted, adjectivepoultry, nounpraline, nounprawn, nounprepacked, adjectivepreservative, nounpreserve, verbpreserve, nounpretzel, nounprovision, verbprune, nounpuff pastry, nounpumpernickel, nounpumpkin, nounpuree, verbquince, nounQuorn, nounrabbit, nounrancid, adjectiverare, adjectiveravenous, adjectiveraw, adjectivered meat, nounreheat, verbrennet, nounrepast, nounreplete, adjectiverestaurant, nounrestaurant car, nounrestaurateur, nounrib, nounrice, nounrigatoni, nounrind, nounripe, adjectiveroadhouse, nounrock, nounroe, nounroll, nounroot vegetable, nounrose hip, nounrusk, nounrutabaga, nounsaccharin, nounsalad cream, nounsalad dressing, nounsalami, nounsalmon, nounsalsa, nounsalt, verbsalt, adjectivesalty, adjectivesandwich, nounsardine, nounsassafras, nounsatisfying, adjectivesatsuma, nounsauerkraut, nounsausage, nounscallion, nounscampi, nounscone, nounscoop, nounScotch broth, nounscratchings, nounseafood, nounseasoned, adjectiveseed, verbsemolina, nounservery, nounservice charge, nounserving, nounset, adjectiveshallot, nounshellfish, nounsherbet, nounshish kebab, nounshortbread, nounshortcake, nounshortcrust pastry, nounshoulder, nounshrimp cocktail, nounside order, nounsillabub, nounsimnel cake, nounsingle cream, nounsirloin, nounsitting, nounskimmed milk, nounskin, nounskin, verbslaw, nounslice, nounsliced bread, nounsloe, nounsloppy joe, nounsmorgasbord, nounsnack bar, nounsnow pea, nounsoda fountain, nounsodium chloride, nounsoft fruit, nounsorghum, nounsoul food, nounsour, adjectivesour, verbsourdough, nounsoya, nounsoya bean, nounspearmint, nounspinach, nounsponge, nounsponge cake, nounsponge pudding, nounspoon, verbspoonful, nounspotted dick, nounspread, nounspring onion, nounspring roll, nounsprout, nounspud, nounsquash, nounsquid, nounstaple, nounstarfruit, nounstarter, nounsteak, nounsteakhouse, nounsteak tartare, nounstew, nounstick, nounStilton, nounstir-fry, verbstodge, nounstone-ground, adjectivestrawberry, nounstring bean, nounstringy, adjectivestrudel, nounsub, nounsucrose, nounsuet, nounsugar, nounsugar, verbsugar-coated, adjectivesugar cube, nounsugar lump, nounsugary, adjectivesultana, nounsun-dried, adjectivesup, verbsupper, nounsustenance, nounswallow, verbswallow, nounswede, nounsweetcorn, nounsweetened condensed milk, nounsweetener, nounsweetmeat, nounsweet pepper, nounsweet potato, nounsyrup, nounsyrupy, adjectivetable d'hôte, nountaco, nountaffy, nountainted, adjectivetakeaway, nountakeout, nountangerine, nountapas, nountapioca, nountaramasalata, nountariff, nountart, nountartare sauce, nountaste, verbtasteless, adjectivetaster, nountasting, nountater, nountattie, nounT-bone steak, nountea, nounteacake, nountender, adjectivetin, nountinned, adjectivetitbit, nountoffee apple, nountofu, nountomato, nountongue, nountop, nountopping, nountop round, nountopside, nountop table, nountortilla, nountough, adjectivetransport cafe, nountreacle, nountrifle, nountripe, nountrotter, nountruck stop, nountruffle, nountub, nountuna, nounturkey, nounTurkish delight, nounturnip, nounturnover, nountutti frutti, nounTV dinner, nounTVP, noununadulterated, adjectiveunleavened, adjectiveunpalatable, adjectivevacuum-packed, adjectivevanilla, nounveal, nounvegan, nounvegetable, nounvegetarian, nounvegetarianism, nounveggie, nounvenison, nounvictual, verbvictuals, nounvoracious, adjectivevoucher, nounwaiter, nounwaitress, nounwalnut, noun-ware, suffixwarmed-over, adjectivewedge, nounwell, nounwell-done, adjectivewell-fed, adjectivewet fish, nounwheat, nounwhite, nounwhite flour, nounwhite pepper, nounwhite sauce, nounwholefood, nounwholemeal, adjectivewhole wheat, adjectivewiener, nounwild rice, nounwishbone, nounwrap, nounyeast extract, nounyoghurt, nounyogurt, nounyolk, nounyule log, nounyummy, adjectivezucchini, nounzwieback, noun Collocations COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY► tough questions  The reporters were asking a lot of tough questions. ► have a tough time (of it) (=face a lot of difficult problems) The family has had a tough time of it these last few months. ► It was a tough call  It was a tough call (=a difficult decision), but we had to cancel the game because of the weather. ► tough going  I find his books pretty tough going (=difficult to read). ► tough sell  Gage predicted the president’s proposal would be a tough sell (=something that is difficult to persuade someone about) before Congress. American English ► when the going gets tough (the tough get going) informal (=used to say that when a situation becomes difficult, strong people take the necessary action to deal with it) ► tough cookie/customer informal (=someone who is very determined to do what they want and not what other people want) ► as tough as nails/as tough as old boots (=very tough) He’s as tough as nails – a good man to have on the team. ► get tough  It’s time to get tough with drunk drivers. ► taking a tough line  The EU is taking a tough line with the UK over this issue. ► tough neighborhood/area/part of town etc  a tough area of Chicago ► tough guys  one of football’s most notorious tough guys COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES► firm/tough action · We need firm action to deal with the problem. ► a tough approach (=dealing with something in a severe way)· The council adopted a tough approach to fighting crime. ► a tough/hard battle · He faces a tough battle to prove his innocence. ► a formidable/daunting/tough challenge (=a very difficult one)· How to deal with waste is a daunting challenge for the west. ► stiff//tough/fierce/intense/keen competition (=strong competition)· There is stiff competition for places at the best universities. ► be tough on crime (=punish crime severely)· Politicians want to appear tough on crime. ► a difficult/hard/tough decision · In the end I took the difficult decision to retire early. ► a tough guy (=a man who is strong and not afraid, especially one who is good at fighting)· He’s trying to prove he’s a tough guy. ► strict/tough law · the country’s strict anti-tobacco laws ► take a tough/firm/hard line on something  The school takes a very tough line on drugs. ► tough match (=difficult)· At this stage of the competition, every match is tough. ► tough meat (=difficult to chew)· The meat was tough and chewy. ► a strong/tough opponent (=one that is difficult to defeat)· Arizona is a strong opponent, but the Oregon team intend to beat them. ► a severe/stiff/heavy/tough/harsh penalty · There were calls for stiffer penalties for killers of police officers. ► a tricky/tough question (=one that is difficult to answer)· That’s a really tricky question. ► tough/hard race · He said he expected the race to be tough. ► strict/stringent/tough regulation · The regulations surrounding the handling of nuclear waste are very strict. ► tough restrictions (=strict)· He called for tougher restrictions on contributions to political parties. ► tough/strict sanctions (=severe)· Due to strict sanctions, the country is unable to import the medicines it needs. ► stringent/strict/rigorous/tough standards (=high standards that are difficult to reach)· The Marines’ rigorous standards mean that only a small proportion of applicants are successful. ► have a good/religious/tough etc upbringing · He had a rather unsettled upbringing, moving with his father from town to town. COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADVERB► how · As well as negotiating from strength, Rank had a realistic perception of just how tough he would have to be.· No whining about how tough it will be to start over, no self-congratulatory odes to her own courage.· Rose has learned how tough that can be.· Just how tough it could be for the independent producer is evident from the history of Minerva Films.· Look at the bottom of the table and you can see how tough it is going to be. ► really · You can also buy really tough but heavy steel pegs which you can hammer into very hard ground with a rock.· Two of the nights were really tough.· It's time to get really tough.· It was tough for Steve, really tough for him.· My birthday was really tough because Peter always made a big fuss of it.· The really tough part was to isolate enough allatostatin in the first place.· But it was the longer-range items that were really tough.· Women have it really tough. 9. ► so · He was so tough, so unbending and uncompromising, and I don't think he's changed.· And it is easy to see why competition for First Municipal is so tough.· Why did Alice talk so tough to a sick lump?· But because she's so tough, you don't know if there's something wrong with her.· One reason, they made clear, is that members of the Senate Appropriations Committee are not talking so tough this year.· To me, those stepchildren seemed so tough and hard and nothing like you imagine them to be.· I was just bad enough to kill for my country, but not so tough that I would ever offend or disobey. ► very · She says the heat made it very tough but it was good fun.· Ya was a good fighter, very tough.· Mr Abbott said he was extremely tired and negotiations were very tough.· She was known to be very tough and a very hard worker.· She's very tough and very sweet at the same time.· It is very, very tough on him mentally.· Paul has written some very tough things in his letter to the church in Rome.· Older birds are often very tough and have an unpleasant aroma; they should be avoided whenever possible. NOUN► action · Police have now warned of tough action against plans to hold any future rave parties.· Law and order, to take an important example, wins few votes except by the threat of tough actions and crackdowns.· He called for tougher action by police on motorists who illegally park in and around existing bus stops.· Ten consumer groups, along with some veterinarians and meat inspectors, are urging even tougher action.· A new lobbying group has been formed to press the Government for tougher action on climate change.· She says tougher action is needed.· We will take tough action against monopolies, mergers and financial raids.· But the authorities seem unable or unwilling to take tough action. ► competition · Their profits are weakening thanks to tougher competition, loan write-offs and a rising cost of funds.· As the new version of Navigator goes on sale Friday, Netscape is facing the toughest competition of its young life.· Aircraft manufacturers like Boeing have also been forced by tough competition to offer steep discounts.· Many independent petrol stations are expected to close because of the price war caused by tougher competition.· Yes, the Dallas Cowboys consider Green Bay much tougher competition these days. ► cookie · We're tough cookies here, and so are you.· Now, women on television are depicted as tough cookies who need a man like a fish needs a trouser press.· Being a dedicated tough cookie, he has delivered the goods in impressive manner.· In general, the provincial circuit is a far tougher cookie than its metropolitan counterpart.· Mr Kinnock is clearly a tough cookie. ► decision · In straitened times, group directors will face tough decisions about allocating resources between divisions.· These were my unofficial board of directors, the people I could reach out to when I had tough decisions to make.· Tapping into that courage demands more than intellectual commitment and tough decision making.· A key election issue where those who run services have to make tough decisions.· In it, Clinton recapped some of his toughest decisions, and important moments in his presidency, good and bad.· Deciding how much money each department will get calls for tough decisions.· Cowher, 34 at the time, was picked in a tough decision. ► fight · But it's being treated that way and a tough fight is promised.· Harry Reid, face a tough fight on the Senate floor.· Now he is facing his toughest fight yet - back to fitness after suffering a fractured fibula and damaged ankle ligaments.· If champions are gauged by their ability to win tough fights, Marco Antonio Barrera has quite a future.· Anyway, Unix now faces a much tougher fight for survival against Microsoft Corp - or are we imagining things?· It was a very tough fight.· Both the defenders and opponents of the Constitution girded for a tough fight. ► guy · He is a classic modern tough guy as well as being an Old Testament prodigal son.· My boss there was one of the toughest guys I ever hope to meet.· Yet although often seen as a tough guy, Bob Hoskins has tried to avoid typecasting.· Fujimori knows a fellow tough guy when he sees one.· They're just guns for hire: tough guys sent on a job.· This is a rather startling admission from a noted tough guy.· Likes to kid everyone he's the big macho tough guy.· Two young men in their late teens mugged for the camera, adopting the pose of a couple of affable tough guys. ► job · Hers is one of the toughest jobs in the show.· Teaching values to the young is always a tough job, and the ultimate responsibility falls on parents.· City analysts and financial advisers said the company would have a tough job convincing people that the deal was workable.· Management is a tough job to do well even under the best circumstances because of the demands and personal commitment required.· Huntsmen know that convincing opponents they are ecologists is a tough job.· Guessing earnings is a tough job.· Jupp Heynckes faces a tough job at a club desperately in need of coherent policies.· He may see that you are a little bit out of control, and then you really have a tough job. ► line · The Home Secretary, David Blunkett, took a tough line, saying that he would not tolerate wanton destruction and violence.· Jack is not discouraged by her tough line.· On the other side, Secretary of State Madeleine Albright took a similarly tough line.· Tough line: Langbaurgh Council is to take a tougher line with tenants who harass their neighbours.· Whereas the United States was in favour of taking a tough line, Britain argued that economic aid should not be stopped.· They stressed that it was vital that environmental groups took a very tough line with the industry right at the outset.· If she had taken a tougher line with them at once, they would have known where to stop. ► love · In the world of rehabilitating addicts, this is known as showing your child tough love.· It was just a good, tough love story, and that was one of the parts that made it tough. ► measure · He promised tougher measures to beat the criminals.· Cresson had originally demanded even tougher measures.· On a recent morning, it was evident that Gavrilova's tough measures had not wiped out drunkenness.· Implementing them means we have to resort to some tough measures in the short and medium term.· United Nations approval for the tough measures is expected next week.· Nevertheless, some LEAs are adopting tough measures.· On Aug. 7 Hashimoto unveiled a series of tough measures which included laws to penalize investors as well as brokers for compensation payments.· The tough measures should not include any increase in taxation, including National Insurance. ► nut · Already highly successful in popular music, dance and commercial television, blacks have found the movies a tougher nut to crack.· Beverley was a tougher nut to crack.· West Ham will be a tough nut to crack especially with big Lee in good form at the moment.· Shearer, a tough nut not inclined to whinge, said his ankle was like a pudding.· Tax will be an even tougher nut. ► part · The toughest part was selling the $ 150 tickets.· The toughest part of robbing nowadays is to find somebody that has some-thing.· But that saying-whatever-I-wanted-to part, now that was the toughest part of all.· The really tough part was to isolate enough allatostatin in the first place. ► penalty · Police fear thieves are turning to car crime because the courts are imposing tougher penalties for burglary and robbery.· He says he would add tougher penalties for non-workers the moment Clinton gave him the necessary leeway.· Councils and other public agencies are threatened with tough penalties if they fail to improve.· It proposes tough penalties for industries which cause water pollution to help reverse the decline.· It argued that these were not soft options but properly applied would be tough penalties which aided the battle to reduce crime.· The ban on sale or display is backed by tough penalties, including a heavy fine and up to three years' imprisonment. ► question · This was a tough question for Sullivan.· The appearance is adversarial-tough reporters asking tough questions.· Both sides must confront tough questions.· The young architect acknowledged that it was a tough question, that he faced it on site often.· His eyelids blinked rapidly as he registered the toughest questions.· The Perot crowd here peppered him with tough questions about free trade and wealth, and he rarely stumbled. ► restriction · Britain bans cigarette advertising on television, but, with tough restrictions, allows other tobacco advertising.· Many states are devising programs with even tougher restrictions.· The proposal came amid fears that the Ministry of Agriculture might introduce tougher restrictions or even an outright ban. ► stance · Their tough stance followed talks at Camp David in which Mr Bush agreed to delay action until the new year. ► standard · Fewer than 30 of Britain's 450 designated bathing beaches passed the tougher standard last summer.· Apply slightly tougher standards for employers who hire temporary foreign workers for specialty jobs in the high-tech industry and elsewhere. ► talk · Towards the end of September, western governments finally resumed their tough talk.· Wilson promises tough talk with Jiang Sacramento Gov.· Zhu's tough talk on corruption plucked a chord among the delegates.· Pretty tough talk from a guy who liked to wear dresses. ► task · It promises to be his toughest task since his comeback two years ago.· This time, Republicans may face a tougher task in the House than in the Senate because of substantial turnover.· It promises to be a tough task.· I believe that doing so is a step in the tough task of getting ready to capitalise on economic recovery.· Voice over People searching for work face a tough task.· Skipper John Best is nevertheless faced with the tough task of ensuring that his crew are the best for the job. ► test · All the same, Amstrad seems to be an unnecessarily tough test, even for the redoubtable Mr Potter.· Mr Jakes will face his toughest test yet when he confronts an emergency meeting of the central committee this week.· It was Bates' toughest test in the competition so far which has seen other top seed tumble in the early stages.· Allowing your children's choice-making skills to develop is one of parenthood's toughest tests.· We join the mountain bikers on their toughest test.· We put five brands of cracker through the toughest test of alla children's party at the Abercromby Day Nursery in Toxteth. ► time · There can hardly ever have been a tougher time to persuade banks to part with their money.· They say Time Warner, which has been roiled by management changes, will have a tough time digesting Turner.· Paul was having a tough time himself supervising the contouring of the land around the three-tier pool Stephen had eventually commissioned.· Over the years, great players have generally had a tough time making the transition to coaching.· The problem seems to be that many women are having a tough time making their mark higher up the career ladder.· These are tough times right now when it comes to work.· Vegans: Vegetarians who eat neither eggs nor dairy products may have a tough time consuming enough vitamin B-12. ► times · It is an unwelcome symptom of very tough times.· Stories about mishaps teach youngsters that families and friends stay together through tough times.· In social terms these were tough times and certainly there seemed to be a new excitement in the movies.· These are tough times right now when it comes to work.· In good times and in tough times?· It unites people, protests wrongs and helps one endure tough times.· Well, I've had tougher times.· We especially love testimonials of people who overcome tough times. ► year · Although it would be a tough year for sure, revenue was not dropping anything like as much as the bookings percentage.· Fresh cuts mean that schools, the health service, and bus and rail travellers will face another tough year.· But he said I had a tough year.· Companies are facing another tough year in 1992, Keith Wey, economist, told an association conference in London yesterday.· After a tough year in 1991, the brand is back with a revamped range for 1992.· It is going to be a tougher year than most. Phrases PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY► tough shit!► tough love In the world of rehabilitating addicts, this is known as showing your child tough love. It was just a good, tough love story, and that was one of the parts that made it tough. ► tough!/that’s tough!► tough luck!PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► a hard/tough etc act to follow Clearly Amelia was a hard act to follow. Colm Toibin's piece will be a hard act to follow but I suspect you are up to it. I know that she will be a tough act to follow. It was a hard act to follow, but the poor did what they could to provide respectable funerals for their dead. John's is, of course, a hard act to follow. The new model has a tough act to follow. You've certainly set us a hard act to follow! ► tough/smart cookie Barney's a tough cookie. He knows how to play politics. Being a dedicated tough cookie, he has delivered the goods in impressive manner. In general, the provincial circuit is a far tougher cookie than its metropolitan counterpart. Monroe herself, of course, was a smart cookie, but she knew enough to play dumb. Mr Kinnock is clearly a tough cookie. Now, women on television are depicted as tough cookies who need a man like a fish needs a trouser press. The Gingerbread Man Summary A fox ate a smart cookie. Unless Newman is a smart cookie. We're tough cookies here, and so are you. ► awkward/tricky/tough etc customer A tough customer, a man to be reckoned with. But he'd take on some one like Glenda Grower, who's a much tougher customer. But the tough treatment was only for tough customers. He's overcome some genuinely tough customers, but Gimenez was abject. He looks a tough customer to deal with. The next, you're making speeches to the wind. Tricky customers, ordinary people. ► when the going gets tough, the tough get going► bad/hard/tough luck Can't have that, can we, not on top of all your other hard luck. He felt that this little piece of bad luck might affect his whole day. I kept looking into the mirror and hating my bad luck, but there they were. There were lots of near misses: some great saves from both keepers, and sheer bad luck. Unfortunately, the gents had bad luck. You go up there with the wrong attitude and come out with worse luck than you had before. ► as hard/tough as nails Willie O'Connor is as hard as nails and Liam Simpson takes no prisoners. ► tough/hard nut Already highly successful in popular music, dance and commercial television, blacks have found the movies a tougher nut to crack. Back, now, to the hard nuts. Beverley was a tougher nut to crack. One glance was all it took to realise this was one hard nut to crack - his features still completely impassive. Shearer, a tough nut not inclined to whinge, said his ankle was like a pudding. Tax will be an even tougher nut. West Ham will be a tough nut to crack especially with big Lee in good form at the moment. ► a hard/tough nut to crack Daytime television is a tough nut to crack. New shows have to be good enough to beat the old favorites. Already highly successful in popular music, dance and commercial television, blacks have found the movies a tougher nut to crack. Beverley was a tougher nut to crack. West Ham will be a tough nut to crack especially with big Lee in good form at the moment. ► a hard/tough row to hoe Improving schools with little funding is a tough row to hoe. They have a hard row to hoe. ► a hard/tough sell► sweet-spirited/tough-spirited/rebellious-spirited etc► talk tough (on something) Cell warrior: Prisoner who talks tough when safely in his cell but who is meek when out of it. Electioneering, he had talked tough about getting government off the backs of the people. Politicians enjoy an easy ride by provoking crime fear and talking tough about punishment. So far the Fed has talked tougher about inflation than it has acted. This Government talks tough for public consumption but has no stomach for action. You talk tough but inside you're just like all the rest of us. You karate the walls, you talk tough to the mirror. ► be a hard/stern/tough taskmaster If self-employment is any guide, the dejobbed worker is likely to be a stern taskmaster. She was a hard taskmaster but a considerably fairer one than la Belle Ethel. True to his word, he schooled her in horsemanship and was a hard taskmaster. Word family WORD FAMILYadverbtoughlytoughtoughlynountoughnessadjectivetoughverbtoughen 1difficult difficult to do or deal with:  It was a tough race. She’s had a tough life. The company admitted that it had been a tough year. Tough decisions will have to be made. The reporters were asking a lot of tough questions.have a tough time (of it) (=face a lot of difficult problems) The family has had a tough time of it these last few months.it’s tough doing something It’s tough being married to a cop.be tough on somebody (=cause problems for someone or make their life difficult) Having to stay indoors all day is tough on a kid. It was a tough call (=a difficult decision), but we had to cancel the game because of the weather. I find his books pretty tough going (=difficult to read). Gage predicted the president’s proposal would be a tough sell (=something that is difficult to persuade someone about) before Congress. American Englishwhen the going gets tough (the tough get going) informal (=used to say that when a situation becomes difficult, strong people take the necessary action to deal with it)► see thesaurus at difficult2strong person physically or emotionally strong and able to deal with difficult situations:  The men who work on the oil rigs are a tough bunch.tough cookie/customer informal (=someone who is very determined to do what they want and not what other people want)as tough as nails/as tough as old boots (=very tough) He’s as tough as nails – a good man to have on the team.► see thesaurus at determined3strong material not easily broken or made weaker:  tough, durable plastic a very tough, hard-wearing cloth► see thesaurus at strong4strict/firm very strict or firmtough on/with My mother was very tough on my sister. It’s time to get tough with drunk drivers. The EU is taking a tough line with the UK over this issue.► see thesaurus at strict5violent area a tough part of a town has a lot of crime or violencetough neighborhood/area/part of town etc a tough area of Chicago6tough!/that’s tough! spoken used when you do not have any sympathy with someone:  ‘I’m getting wet.’ ‘Tough! You should’ve brought your umbrella.’ She didn’t tell us she was coming, so if this screws up her plans that’s just tough.7tough luck! spoken a)used when you do not have any sympathy for someone’s problems:  Well, that’s just their tough luck! It was their mistake. b)British English used when you feel sympathy about something bad that has happened to someone:  You didn’t get the job? Oh, tough luck!8tough shit! spoken not polite used when you do not have any sympathy for someone’s problems9violent person likely to behave violently and having no gentle qualities:  one of football’s most notorious tough guys tough young thugs looking for trouble10food difficult to cut or eat OPP  tender:  The meat was tough and hard to chew. the tough outer leaves of the cabbage► see thesaurus at hard11tough love a way of helping someone to change their behaviour by treating them in a kind but strict way—toughly adverb—toughness noun [uncountable] tough1 adjectivetough2 verbtough3 nountough4 adverb toughtough2 verb Verb Table VERB TABLE tough Simple Form Present I, you, we, they tough he, she, it toughs Past I, you, he, she, it, we, they toughed Present perfect I, you, we, they have toughed he, she, it has toughed Past perfect I, you, he, she, it, we, they had toughed Future I, you, he, she, it, we, they will tough Future perfect I, you, he, she, it, we, they will have toughed Continuous Form Present I am toughing he, she, it is toughing you, we, they are toughing Past I, he, she, it was toughing you, we, they were toughing Present perfect I, you, we, they have been toughing he, she, it has been toughing Past perfect I, you, he, she, it, we, they had been toughing Future I, you, he, she, it, we, they will be toughing Future perfect I, you, he, she, it, we, they will have been toughing Collocations COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY► tough it out  She told herself to be brave and tough it out. COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES► firm/tough action · We need firm action to deal with the problem. ► a tough approach (=dealing with something in a severe way)· The council adopted a tough approach to fighting crime. ► a tough/hard battle · He faces a tough battle to prove his innocence. ► a formidable/daunting/tough challenge (=a very difficult one)· How to deal with waste is a daunting challenge for the west. ► stiff//tough/fierce/intense/keen competition (=strong competition)· There is stiff competition for places at the best universities. ► be tough on crime (=punish crime severely)· Politicians want to appear tough on crime. ► a difficult/hard/tough decision · In the end I took the difficult decision to retire early. ► a tough guy (=a man who is strong and not afraid, especially one who is good at fighting)· He’s trying to prove he’s a tough guy. ► strict/tough law · the country’s strict anti-tobacco laws ► take a tough/firm/hard line on something  The school takes a very tough line on drugs. ► tough match (=difficult)· At this stage of the competition, every match is tough. ► tough meat (=difficult to chew)· The meat was tough and chewy. ► a strong/tough opponent (=one that is difficult to defeat)· Arizona is a strong opponent, but the Oregon team intend to beat them. ► a severe/stiff/heavy/tough/harsh penalty · There were calls for stiffer penalties for killers of police officers. ► a tricky/tough question (=one that is difficult to answer)· That’s a really tricky question. ► tough/hard race · He said he expected the race to be tough. ► strict/stringent/tough regulation · The regulations surrounding the handling of nuclear waste are very strict. ► tough restrictions (=strict)· He called for tougher restrictions on contributions to political parties. ► tough/strict sanctions (=severe)· Due to strict sanctions, the country is unable to import the medicines it needs. ► stringent/strict/rigorous/tough standards (=high standards that are difficult to reach)· The Marines’ rigorous standards mean that only a small proportion of applicants are successful. ► have a good/religious/tough etc upbringing · He had a rather unsettled upbringing, moving with his father from town to town. Phrases PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► a hard/tough etc act to follow Clearly Amelia was a hard act to follow. Colm Toibin's piece will be a hard act to follow but I suspect you are up to it. I know that she will be a tough act to follow. It was a hard act to follow, but the poor did what they could to provide respectable funerals for their dead. John's is, of course, a hard act to follow. The new model has a tough act to follow. You've certainly set us a hard act to follow! ► tough/smart cookie Barney's a tough cookie. He knows how to play politics. Being a dedicated tough cookie, he has delivered the goods in impressive manner. In general, the provincial circuit is a far tougher cookie than its metropolitan counterpart. Monroe herself, of course, was a smart cookie, but she knew enough to play dumb. Mr Kinnock is clearly a tough cookie. Now, women on television are depicted as tough cookies who need a man like a fish needs a trouser press. The Gingerbread Man Summary A fox ate a smart cookie. Unless Newman is a smart cookie. We're tough cookies here, and so are you. ► awkward/tricky/tough etc customer A tough customer, a man to be reckoned with. But he'd take on some one like Glenda Grower, who's a much tougher customer. But the tough treatment was only for tough customers. He's overcome some genuinely tough customers, but Gimenez was abject. He looks a tough customer to deal with. The next, you're making speeches to the wind. Tricky customers, ordinary people. ► when the going gets tough, the tough get going► bad/hard/tough luck Can't have that, can we, not on top of all your other hard luck. He felt that this little piece of bad luck might affect his whole day. I kept looking into the mirror and hating my bad luck, but there they were. There were lots of near misses: some great saves from both keepers, and sheer bad luck. Unfortunately, the gents had bad luck. You go up there with the wrong attitude and come out with worse luck than you had before. ► as hard/tough as nails Willie O'Connor is as hard as nails and Liam Simpson takes no prisoners. ► tough/hard nut Already highly successful in popular music, dance and commercial television, blacks have found the movies a tougher nut to crack. Back, now, to the hard nuts. Beverley was a tougher nut to crack. One glance was all it took to realise this was one hard nut to crack - his features still completely impassive. Shearer, a tough nut not inclined to whinge, said his ankle was like a pudding. Tax will be an even tougher nut. West Ham will be a tough nut to crack especially with big Lee in good form at the moment. ► a hard/tough nut to crack Daytime television is a tough nut to crack. New shows have to be good enough to beat the old favorites. Already highly successful in popular music, dance and commercial television, blacks have found the movies a tougher nut to crack. Beverley was a tougher nut to crack. West Ham will be a tough nut to crack especially with big Lee in good form at the moment. ► a hard/tough row to hoe Improving schools with little funding is a tough row to hoe. They have a hard row to hoe. ► a hard/tough sell► sweet-spirited/tough-spirited/rebellious-spirited etc► talk tough (on something) Cell warrior: Prisoner who talks tough when safely in his cell but who is meek when out of it. Electioneering, he had talked tough about getting government off the backs of the people. Politicians enjoy an easy ride by provoking crime fear and talking tough about punishment. So far the Fed has talked tougher about inflation than it has acted. This Government talks tough for public consumption but has no stomach for action. You talk tough but inside you're just like all the rest of us. You karate the walls, you talk tough to the mirror. ► be a hard/stern/tough taskmaster If self-employment is any guide, the dejobbed worker is likely to be a stern taskmaster. She was a hard taskmaster but a considerably fairer one than la Belle Ethel. True to his word, he schooled her in horsemanship and was a hard taskmaster. tough something ↔ out phrasal verb to deal with a difficult situation by being determined, rather than leaving or changing your decision:  She told herself to be brave and tough it out. tough1 adjectivetough2 verbtough3 nountough4 adverb toughtough3 noun [countable] Examples EXAMPLES FROM THE CORPUS Charles's body language was geared to communicating to street toughs. Collocations COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES► firm/tough action · We need firm action to deal with the problem. ► a tough approach (=dealing with something in a severe way)· The council adopted a tough approach to fighting crime. ► a tough/hard battle · He faces a tough battle to prove his innocence. ► a formidable/daunting/tough challenge (=a very difficult one)· How to deal with waste is a daunting challenge for the west. ► stiff//tough/fierce/intense/keen competition (=strong competition)· There is stiff competition for places at the best universities. ► be tough on crime (=punish crime severely)· Politicians want to appear tough on crime. ► a difficult/hard/tough decision · In the end I took the difficult decision to retire early. ► a tough guy (=a man who is strong and not afraid, especially one who is good at fighting)· He’s trying to prove he’s a tough guy. ► strict/tough law · the country’s strict anti-tobacco laws ► take a tough/firm/hard line on something  The school takes a very tough line on drugs. ► tough match (=difficult)· At this stage of the competition, every match is tough. ► tough meat (=difficult to chew)· The meat was tough and chewy. ► a strong/tough opponent (=one that is difficult to defeat)· Arizona is a strong opponent, but the Oregon team intend to beat them. ► a severe/stiff/heavy/tough/harsh penalty · There were calls for stiffer penalties for killers of police officers. ► a tricky/tough question (=one that is difficult to answer)· That’s a really tricky question. ► tough/hard race · He said he expected the race to be tough. ► strict/stringent/tough regulation · The regulations surrounding the handling of nuclear waste are very strict. ► tough restrictions (=strict)· He called for tougher restrictions on contributions to political parties. ► tough/strict sanctions (=severe)· Due to strict sanctions, the country is unable to import the medicines it needs. ► stringent/strict/rigorous/tough standards (=high standards that are difficult to reach)· The Marines’ rigorous standards mean that only a small proportion of applicants are successful. ► have a good/religious/tough etc upbringing · He had a rather unsettled upbringing, moving with his father from town to town. Phrases PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► a hard/tough etc act to follow Clearly Amelia was a hard act to follow. Colm Toibin's piece will be a hard act to follow but I suspect you are up to it. I know that she will be a tough act to follow. It was a hard act to follow, but the poor did what they could to provide respectable funerals for their dead. John's is, of course, a hard act to follow. The new model has a tough act to follow. You've certainly set us a hard act to follow! ► tough/smart cookie Barney's a tough cookie. He knows how to play politics. Being a dedicated tough cookie, he has delivered the goods in impressive manner. In general, the provincial circuit is a far tougher cookie than its metropolitan counterpart. Monroe herself, of course, was a smart cookie, but she knew enough to play dumb. Mr Kinnock is clearly a tough cookie. Now, women on television are depicted as tough cookies who need a man like a fish needs a trouser press. The Gingerbread Man Summary A fox ate a smart cookie. Unless Newman is a smart cookie. We're tough cookies here, and so are you. ► awkward/tricky/tough etc customer A tough customer, a man to be reckoned with. But he'd take on some one like Glenda Grower, who's a much tougher customer. But the tough treatment was only for tough customers. He's overcome some genuinely tough customers, but Gimenez was abject. He looks a tough customer to deal with. The next, you're making speeches to the wind. Tricky customers, ordinary people. ► when the going gets tough, the tough get going► bad/hard/tough luck Can't have that, can we, not on top of all your other hard luck. He felt that this little piece of bad luck might affect his whole day. I kept looking into the mirror and hating my bad luck, but there they were. There were lots of near misses: some great saves from both keepers, and sheer bad luck. Unfortunately, the gents had bad luck. You go up there with the wrong attitude and come out with worse luck than you had before. ► as hard/tough as nails Willie O'Connor is as hard as nails and Liam Simpson takes no prisoners. ► tough/hard nut Already highly successful in popular music, dance and commercial television, blacks have found the movies a tougher nut to crack. Back, now, to the hard nuts. Beverley was a tougher nut to crack. One glance was all it took to realise this was one hard nut to crack - his features still completely impassive. Shearer, a tough nut not inclined to whinge, said his ankle was like a pudding. Tax will be an even tougher nut. West Ham will be a tough nut to crack especially with big Lee in good form at the moment. ► a hard/tough nut to crack Daytime television is a tough nut to crack. New shows have to be good enough to beat the old favorites. Already highly successful in popular music, dance and commercial television, blacks have found the movies a tougher nut to crack. Beverley was a tougher nut to crack. West Ham will be a tough nut to crack especially with big Lee in good form at the moment. ► a hard/tough row to hoe Improving schools with little funding is a tough row to hoe. They have a hard row to hoe. ► a hard/tough sell► sweet-spirited/tough-spirited/rebellious-spirited etc► talk tough (on something) Cell warrior: Prisoner who talks tough when safely in his cell but who is meek when out of it. Electioneering, he had talked tough about getting government off the backs of the people. Politicians enjoy an easy ride by provoking crime fear and talking tough about punishment. So far the Fed has talked tougher about inflation than it has acted. This Government talks tough for public consumption but has no stomach for action. You talk tough but inside you're just like all the rest of us. You karate the walls, you talk tough to the mirror. ► be a hard/stern/tough taskmaster If self-employment is any guide, the dejobbed worker is likely to be a stern taskmaster. She was a hard taskmaster but a considerably fairer one than la Belle Ethel. True to his word, he schooled her in horsemanship and was a hard taskmaster. old-fashioned someone who often behaves in a violent way tough1 adjectivetough2 verbtough3 nountough4 adverb toughtough4 adverb Examples EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES The team plays tough when it has to. Collocations COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES► firm/tough action · We need firm action to deal with the problem. ► a tough approach (=dealing with something in a severe way)· The council adopted a tough approach to fighting crime. ► a tough/hard battle · He faces a tough battle to prove his innocence. ► a formidable/daunting/tough challenge (=a very difficult one)· How to deal with waste is a daunting challenge for the west. ► stiff//tough/fierce/intense/keen competition (=strong competition)· There is stiff competition for places at the best universities. ► be tough on crime (=punish crime severely)· Politicians want to appear tough on crime. ► a difficult/hard/tough decision · In the end I took the difficult decision to retire early. ► a tough guy (=a man who is strong and not afraid, especially one who is good at fighting)· He’s trying to prove he’s a tough guy. ► strict/tough law · the country’s strict anti-tobacco laws ► take a tough/firm/hard line on something  The school takes a very tough line on drugs. ► tough match (=difficult)· At this stage of the competition, every match is tough. ► tough meat (=difficult to chew)· The meat was tough and chewy. ► a strong/tough opponent (=one that is difficult to defeat)· Arizona is a strong opponent, but the Oregon team intend to beat them. ► a severe/stiff/heavy/tough/harsh penalty · There were calls for stiffer penalties for killers of police officers. ► a tricky/tough question (=one that is difficult to answer)· That’s a really tricky question. ► tough/hard race · He said he expected the race to be tough. ► strict/stringent/tough regulation · The regulations surrounding the handling of nuclear waste are very strict. ► tough restrictions (=strict)· He called for tougher restrictions on contributions to political parties. ► tough/strict sanctions (=severe)· Due to strict sanctions, the country is unable to import the medicines it needs. ► stringent/strict/rigorous/tough standards (=high standards that are difficult to reach)· The Marines’ rigorous standards mean that only a small proportion of applicants are successful. ► have a good/religious/tough etc upbringing · He had a rather unsettled upbringing, moving with his father from town to town. Phrases PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► a hard/tough etc act to follow Clearly Amelia was a hard act to follow. Colm Toibin's piece will be a hard act to follow but I suspect you are up to it. I know that she will be a tough act to follow. It was a hard act to follow, but the poor did what they could to provide respectable funerals for their dead. John's is, of course, a hard act to follow. The new model has a tough act to follow. You've certainly set us a hard act to follow! ► tough/smart cookie Barney's a tough cookie. He knows how to play politics. Being a dedicated tough cookie, he has delivered the goods in impressive manner. In general, the provincial circuit is a far tougher cookie than its metropolitan counterpart. Monroe herself, of course, was a smart cookie, but she knew enough to play dumb. Mr Kinnock is clearly a tough cookie. Now, women on television are depicted as tough cookies who need a man like a fish needs a trouser press. The Gingerbread Man Summary A fox ate a smart cookie. Unless Newman is a smart cookie. We're tough cookies here, and so are you. ► awkward/tricky/tough etc customer A tough customer, a man to be reckoned with. But he'd take on some one like Glenda Grower, who's a much tougher customer. But the tough treatment was only for tough customers. He's overcome some genuinely tough customers, but Gimenez was abject. He looks a tough customer to deal with. The next, you're making speeches to the wind. Tricky customers, ordinary people. ► when the going gets tough, the tough get going► bad/hard/tough luck Can't have that, can we, not on top of all your other hard luck. He felt that this little piece of bad luck might affect his whole day. I kept looking into the mirror and hating my bad luck, but there they were. There were lots of near misses: some great saves from both keepers, and sheer bad luck. Unfortunately, the gents had bad luck. You go up there with the wrong attitude and come out with worse luck than you had before. ► as hard/tough as nails Willie O'Connor is as hard as nails and Liam Simpson takes no prisoners. ► tough/hard nut Already highly successful in popular music, dance and commercial television, blacks have found the movies a tougher nut to crack. Back, now, to the hard nuts. Beverley was a tougher nut to crack. One glance was all it took to realise this was one hard nut to crack - his features still completely impassive. Shearer, a tough nut not inclined to whinge, said his ankle was like a pudding. Tax will be an even tougher nut. West Ham will be a tough nut to crack especially with big Lee in good form at the moment. ► a hard/tough nut to crack Daytime television is a tough nut to crack. New shows have to be good enough to beat the old favorites. Already highly successful in popular music, dance and commercial television, blacks have found the movies a tougher nut to crack. Beverley was a tougher nut to crack. West Ham will be a tough nut to crack especially with big Lee in good form at the moment. ► a hard/tough row to hoe Improving schools with little funding is a tough row to hoe. They have a hard row to hoe. ► a hard/tough sell► sweet-spirited/tough-spirited/rebellious-spirited etc► talk tough (on something) Cell warrior: Prisoner who talks tough when safely in his cell but who is meek when out of it. Electioneering, he had talked tough about getting government off the backs of the people. Politicians enjoy an easy ride by provoking crime fear and talking tough about punishment. So far the Fed has talked tougher about inflation than it has acted. This Government talks tough for public consumption but has no stomach for action. You talk tough but inside you're just like all the rest of us. You karate the walls, you talk tough to the mirror. ► be a hard/stern/tough taskmaster If self-employment is any guide, the dejobbed worker is likely to be a stern taskmaster. She was a hard taskmaster but a considerably fairer one than la Belle Ethel. True to his word, he schooled her in horsemanship and was a hard taskmaster. Word family WORD FAMILYadverbtoughlytoughtoughlynountoughnessadjectivetoughverbtoughen in a way that shows you are very determined:  Washington played tough in the second half of the game. You’re talking tough now but you wait until you get into the interview.
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