a tough customer/cookie

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.

See also: cookie, tough

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.

See also: customer, tough

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 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.

See also: cookie, tough

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.

See also: customer, tough

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.

See also: cookie, tough

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.

See also: cookie, customer, tough

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.

See also: cookie, tough

tough customer

n. someone who is difficult to deal with. Bruno is a tough customer. Just keep away from him.

See also: customer, tough

McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.