hard nut to crack
A problem that is challenging to solve.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“This math problem is a hard nut to crack.”
“The company tried to improve sales, but the local market proved to be a hard nut to crack.”
“Despite the team's extensive research and innovative strategies, the underlying cause of the system failure remained a hard nut to crack for the engineers.”
- 01
all it's cracked up to be
As good as claims or reputation would suggest.
- 02
bone hard
As hard as a bone, rock hard.
- 03
bust a nut
To ejaculate.
- 04
cold hard cash
Money, regarded as an incentive that can override any doubts or ethical concerns.
- 05
crack a crust
To make a living.
- 06
crack a fat
To get an erection of the penis.
- 07
crack a smile
To smile, especially while attempting not to.
- 08
crack down
To take harsh action (against), as when enforcing a law more stringently than before.
Last updated August 10, 2026