# tough cookies

idiom

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

## Meaning

Too bad (for one); the outcome that one desires is not likely to change.

## Examples

- If you do not like the new rules, tough cookies.
- I know you wanted a refund, but the store policy is final, so tough cookies.
- The committee rejected his appeal for an extension, essentially telling him that he had missed the deadline and it was tough cookies.

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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.