Exceptionally resilient, determined, and hard to intimidate.
Reach for it when giving vivid informal praise for strength under severe pressure
The tough-as-nails negotiator protected the workers' safety clause through twelve revisions.
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playful
made of steel
Fits when dramatic admiration fits spoken tribute
Careful The metaphor can celebrate suppression of pain or deny human limits.
everyday
Fits when physical endurance through harsh conditions is central
Careful Hardy suits organisms and bodies more naturally than moral courage.
warm
Fits when sustained effort through setbacks deserves accessible praise
Careful Gritty is less forceful and may describe style or texture.
professional
battle-hardened
Fits when difficult experience has built composure and skill
Careful Battle-hardened imports military imagery and can imply emotional callousing.
formal
Fits when strength commands respect from opponents
Careful Formidable can sound threatening rather than resilient.
literary
Fits when a spirit that refuses defeat merits elevated praise
Careful Indomitable is grander and says less about practical toughness.
tough-as-nails leader
The tough-as-nails leader still listened when the youngest worker raised a risk.
tough-as-nails defender
A tough-as-nails defender blocked every attempt to weaken the habitat rules.
tough-as-nails attitude
Her tough-as-nails attitude carried the expedition through sleet.
Keep in mind
The phrase praises resilience, not needless exposure to danger or refusal to seek help.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Updated
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