hard as nails
Very unsympathetic; callous
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The boss is hard as nails and never shows any pity.”
“Do not expect any sympathy from the manager, as she is hard as nails when it comes to following company rules.”
“Despite the desperate pleas of his employees, the director remained hard as nails, refusing to offer any leniency regarding the strict new deadlines.”
- 01
another nail in someone's coffin
An event that increases the likelihood of or causes further failure.
- 02
bite one's nails
To worry or fret over something.
- 03
bone hard
As hard as a bone, rock hard.
- 04
cold hard cash
Money, regarded as an incentive that can override any doubts or ethical concerns.
- 05
die hard
Of a living being, to die only after a desperate struggle for life.
- 06
drive a hard bargain
To negotiate forcefully.
- 07
final nail in the coffin
Something that is ultimately responsible for a previously prospective demise or failure.
- 08
give someone a hard time
To cause difficulty or make trouble for someone.
Last updated August 10, 2026