PhrasesHub

a tough cookie

    Definitions

      • resilient and strong-willed person
        Refer to someone who is strong, determined, and able to handle difficult situations

      • difficult to deal with
        Describe someone who is not easily influenced or manipulated

    • Susan is a tough cookie when it comes to negotiating deals. She never backs down and always knows how to get the best possible outcome for her company.

      The idiom "a tough cookie" is used to describe someone who is very persistent, determined, and difficult to defeat or negotiate with, especially in situations that require negotiation or bargaining skills. Susan's ability to win negotiations and achieve favorable outcomes for her company is a testament to her grit and tenacity, which are qualities commonly associated with a tough cookie.

    • In the boardroom, our CEO is known as a tough cookie. She's not afraid to speak her mind, and her opponents often find themselves outmaneuvered.

      The idiom is also used to describe a strong leader or decision-maker who is not easily swayed, influenced, or intimidated by others, particularly in high-stakes or high-pressure situations. In the above example, the CEO's reputation as a tough cookie stems from her confidence and boldness in the boardroom, where she is respected and admired for her leadership skills and strategic insights.

    • In our industry, you have to be a tough cookie to survive. Competitors are fierce, and customers can be demanding.

      The idiom is sometimes used to describe the challenges and obstacles that people face in their respective fields or industries, particularly those that require a high degree of resilience, durability, and adaptability. In the above example, the tough cookie metaphor is used to illustrate the competitive and demanding nature of the industry, where success often depends on one's ability to navigate through the challenges and emerge victorious.

    • After years of failure, John became a tough cookie and finally made it in the music industry.

      The idiom is also used to describe people's journeys towards success and the grit and determination required to overcome the obstacles and challenges that they encounter along the way. In the above example, John's transformation from a failed musician to a successful one is attributed to his tenacity, perseverance, and resilience, qualities that are commonly associated with a tough cookie.

    • She may be small in stature, but don't underestimate her - she's a tough cookie.

      This idiom means that the person being described is strong-willed, determined, and not easily defeated, despite appearing weak or vulnerable. It is often applied to women, but can be used for anyone who exhibits these qualities.

    • After facing numerous obstacles and setbacks, he emerged as a tough cookie, determined to succeed.

      This example highlights the resilience and perseverance of the person being described. Despite facing difficulties, they remained strong-willed and committed to their goals.

    • The new CEO was a tough cookie, commanding respect and admiration from her team.

      This example shows how the idiom can be used to describe someone who has assumed a leadership role and is viewed as a force to be reckoned with in their industry.

    • Despite being faced with criticism and opposition, she refused to back down - she was a tough cookie through and through.

      This example demonstrates the persistence and tenacity of the person being described. They refused to be intimidated or discouraged by the opposition, and remained committed to their goals.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "a tough cookie" can be used to refer to someone who is strong, determined, and able to handle difficult situations. It can also describe someone who is not easily influenced or manipulated. In both cases, the idiom highlights the resilience and strength of the person being referred to.

    The origin of the idiom "a tough cookie" is not completely clear, but it is believed to have originated in the United States in the early 20th century. The term "cookie" is used to refer to a person, and "tough" in this context means strong or resilient. The combination of the two words creates a metaphor for someone who is not easily broken or influenced.

    One possible origin of the idiom is related to the toughness of certain types of cookies, such as gingerbread or biscotti, which require a strong bite to break. This association with physical toughness may have led to the figurative use of the term to describe a resilient and strong-willed person.

    Another possible origin is the idea that tough cookies are difficult to chew, similar to how some people may be difficult to deal with. This association with difficulty may have contributed to the use of the idiom to describe someone who is not easily influenced or manipulated. Overall, the origins of the idiom "a tough cookie" highlight the strength and resilience of the person being referred to.