# tough as nails

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/tough-as-nails
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Having a hard, strong, and determined mindset.

## Examples

- 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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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.