a hard nut to crack

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a hard nut to crack
also, a tough nut to crack

Meaning | Synonyms

  • a problem that is difficult to solve
  • a person that is difficult to deal with
  • someone or something that is difficult to understand
  • a person hard to get to know or to get close to

Example Sentences

  1. She’s such a tough nut to crack. Nobody seems to be able to get through to her.
  2. The game on Saturday is against the current champions, so it will be a hard nut to crack.
  3. The new boss is really hard to figure out. He’s going to be a tough nut to crack.
  4. Good luck trying to get the new guidelines past the head teacher. He’s a hard nut to crack.
  5. Alison has been dating Stan for two years and she still feels like she doesn’t know him at times. He must be a tough nut to crack.
  6. My father loves doing the crossword every day. Sometimes he gets a clue that is a hard nut to crack.
  7. Mathematics turned out to be a hard nut to crack for students in the examination.
  8. The mysterious murder case seems a hard nut to crack for police as the officials are still groping in the dark.
  9. The first four tasks were the toughest nut to crack.
  10. Jazz is always a tough nut to crack, whether you are playing, recording or even listening.

Origin

This expression is a metaphor alluding to the tough exterior of a nutshell and how hard they are to crack open. It has been in use since the 1700s.

Share your opinions1 Opinion

Good luck trying to get the new guidelines past the head teacher. He’s a hard nut to crack.

‒ Adriana Garza August 24, 2020

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