tough as nails
Having a hard, strong, and determined mindset.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“My grandmother is tough as nails.”
“Even after the company fired her, she remained tough as nails and started her own business the next day.”
“The veteran commander was known to be tough as nails, having endured decades of hardship without ever losing his resolve or his focus.”
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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
do it tough
To be in a desperate situation; to struggle.
- 04
final nail in the coffin
Something that is ultimately responsible for a previously prospective demise or failure.
- 05
hang tough
To remain strong-willed or brave, especially when experiencing duress or adversity.
- 06
hard as nails
Very unsympathetic; callous
- 07
hit the nail on the head
To identify something exactly; to arrive at exactly the right answer.
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last nail in the coffin
Alternative form of final nail in the coffin.
Last updated August 10, 2026