(as) tough as old boots
1. Having great strength of body, mind, or will; not susceptible to sickness or injury. My grandmother is tough as old boots—she lived through the Great Depression and raised four kids pretty much all on her own! That guy's tough as old boots; 400 consecutive games, and not even a sprained ankle. A: "Can you believe Aunt Anita is still rowing at 87?" B: "I know, she's tough as old boots."
2. Having a tough, leathery texture. Said especially of meat. This meat is as tough as old boots—I can't even cut it! No, the steak won't be tough as old boots this time, I cooked it completely differently. How does she manage to dry out the turkey every year? Once again, it's as tough as old boots!
3. Not apt to feel or show one's emotions; very stoic. Our aunt is as tough as old boots, so we asked her to give the eulogy, knowing that she's the only one who could do it without crying. We need someone who is tough as old boots at the head of the company when times get rough. The tragedy has been really hard on our whole family, but my wife has been as tough as old boots throughout it all.
4. Extremely stubborn or determined. You'll never get Rich to change his opinion—he's as tough as old boots. My dad can be as tough as old boots when he makes up his mind about something, even when we can prove that he's wrong. We've got a new boss in the office who's tough as old boots and thinks her way of doing things is the only correct one.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
tough as old boots
BRITISH or tough as nails
If someone is tough as old boots or tough as nails, they have a strong character and do not get upset easily. Barbara is tough as old boots and rules her husband with an iron hand. This man was a very friendly in a large group, but across a negotiating table was just tough as nails.
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012
tough as old boots
very sturdy or resilient. Leather, of which boots are traditionally made, is notably strong and resistant to wear and tear. As tough as leather was in fact the earliest version of this phrase, although it has now been superseded by the current form.
1967 Listener This is no sweet old dolly…She is tough as old boots, working for a living.
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017