The phrase “a tough nut to crack” is an idiom used to describe a difficult problem or situation that is challenging to solve. It can be seen as a metaphor for when solving something requires a lot of effort, energy and determination. As the “nut” in the phrase refers to something hard, it implies that whatever is being referred to needs to be properly cracked before its solution can be found.
Table Of Content:
- Definition of A Hard/tough Nut (to crack) by Merriam-Webster
- Hard nut to crack Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com
- A HARD/TOUGH NUT TO CRACK | meaning in the Cambridge English
- A tough nut to crack - The Free Dictionary
- A tough nut to crack definition and meaning | Collins English ...
- A TOUGH NUT TO CRACK (phrase) definition and synonyms ...
- tough nut to crack - Wiktionary
- Can a person be a tough nut to crack? | WordReference Forums
- A hard nut to crack - Idioms by The Free Dictionary
- Tough-nut-to-crack Meaning | Best 6 Definitions of Tough-nut-to-crack
1. Definition of A Hard/tough Nut (to crack) by Merriam-Webster
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/a%20hard%2Ftough%20nut%20%28to%20crack%29
A hard/tough nut (to crack) definition is - a person or thing that is difficult to deal with, understand, or influence. How to use a hard/tough nut (to crack) in a ...
2. Hard nut to crack Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com
https://www.dictionary.com/browse/hard--nut--to--crack
Just the hard-on before you shoot unarmed members of the public. 'Babylon' Review: The Dumb Lives of Trigger-Happy Cops|Melissa Leon ...
3. A HARD/TOUGH NUT TO CRACK | meaning in the Cambridge English
https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/a-hard-tough-nut-to-crack
5 days ago ... a hard/tough nut to crack definition: 1. a problem that is very difficult to solve or a person who is very difficult to understand 2. a…. Learn more.
4. A tough nut to crack - The Free Dictionary
https://www.thefreedictionary.com/a+tough+nut+to+crack
To gather or hunt for nuts. 2. Vulgar Slang To ejaculate. [Middle English nute, from Old English hnutu.].
5. A tough nut to crack definition and meaning | Collins English ...
https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/a-tough-nut-to-crack
A tough nut to crack definition: a problem that is difficult to solve or a person who is difficult to deal with or to... | Meaning, pronunciation, translations and ...
6. A TOUGH NUT TO CRACK (phrase) definition and synonyms ...
https://www.macmillandictionary.com/us/dictionary/american/a-tough-nut-to-crack
Definition of A TOUGH NUT TO CRACK (phrase): difficult problem or situation to deal with.
7. tough nut to crack - Wiktionary
https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/tough_nut_to_crack
An amount that is difficult to finance. Usage notesEdit. Tough/er/est nut to crack is by far the most common form in COCA ( ...
8. Can a person be a tough nut to crack? | WordReference Forums
https://forum.wordreference.com/threads/can-a-person-be-a-tough-nut-to-crack.2598882/
Oxford Dictionary of English Idioms: someone who is difficult to deal with or hard to beat; a formidable person.
9. A hard nut to crack - Idioms by The Free Dictionary
https://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/a+hard+nut+to+crack
A person, thing, situation, or problem that is particularly difficult to understand, solve, or deal with. I've been dating Jenny for over a year, and I still think she's a ...
10. Tough-nut-to-crack Meaning | Best 6 Definitions of Tough-nut-to-crack
https://www.yourdictionary.com/tough-nut-to-crack
What does tough-nut-to-crack mean? (idiomatic) A place, opportunity, etc. to which it is difficult to gain entry. (noun)
What does "a tough nut to crack" mean?
"A tough nut to crack" is an idiom used to describe a difficult problem or situation that is challenging to solve.
How does this phrase compare with other idioms?
Other idioms such as “a hard row to hoe” and “to break your back” also refer metaphorically to a challenge requiring hard work and determination. However, compared with these phrases, "a tough nut to crack" conveys the idea of needing extra effort and strength in order to get through something that's particularly complicated or difficult.
In what other contexts is this phrase commonly used?
This phrase is most commonly used when speaking about problems which require creative thinking or skills, since they can't just easily be solved by brute force. It may also be used frequently when talking about complex situations which seem near impossible at first glance but can eventually be resolved if you put enough energy into it.
What does the 'nut' refer too?
The "nut" in this phrase refers analogically to something which needs extra effort and strength in order for it be opened or solved, thus explaining why it can signify a difficult task or problem.
Conclusion:
The phrase “a tough nut to crack” is often employed as a metaphor for any type of task which requires additional effort, skill and patience in order for it be completed satisfactorily. Whether you're trying out different approaches on how best tackle an intractable problem or feeling overwhelmed by some life obstacle that's been placed in your path – remember that even the toughest nuts are not completely un-crackable!