tough cookie
A strong, determined person who is not easily intimidated, discouraged, or defeated. Our principal was a little lady, but she was one tough cookie! She had a difficult childhood, but she's a tough cookie. I know she'll be a success.
tough customer
A strong, determined person who is not easily intimidated, discouraged, or defeated. Our principal was a rather petite lady, but she was one tough customer! She had a difficult childhood, but it made her into a tough customer later in life. I wouldn't mess with that guy, he's a pretty tough customer.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
tough cookie
a person who is difficult to deal with. He's a tough cookie, but I can handle him. There was a tough cookie in here this morning who demanded to see the manager.
tough customer someone
who is difficult to deal with. Some of those bikers are really tough customers. Walt is a tough customer. Just keep away from him.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
a tough cookie
or one tough cookie
If someone is a tough cookie or one tough cookie, they are confident, brave and determined. A pushover is not how I'd describe her. Behind that sweet smile, there lies a tough cookie. He has a reputation as one tough cookie.
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012
a tough ˈcustomer/ˈcookie
(informal) a person who knows what they want and is not easily influenced by other people: Self-confident, ambitious and positive, Paula is a tough cookie who is bound to do well.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
tough cookie
n. a tough person. There was a tough cookie in here this morning who demanded to see the manager.
tough customer
n. someone who is difficult to deal with. Bruno is a tough customer. Just keep away from him.
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.