hard as nails
Unyielding, tough, usually describing a person. This simile, which replaced the earlier hard as flint or stone (dating from Chaucer’s time), seems to allude to a nail’s ability to withstand the blows of a hammer. Shaw used it in at least three of his plays (You Never Can Tell, Heartbreak House, Man and Superman) to describe an unsentimental character.
Synonyms:
- Tough as leather
- Steely
- Iron-hearted
- Unbendable
Antonyms:
- Soft-hearted
- Malleable
- Tender
- Soppy
Similar Terms, Proverbs, and Expressions:
- Tough as old boots: Equally resilient, not giving in easily.
- Stalwart: Dependable and firm.
- Iron-willed: Determined and resolute.
- Thick-skinned: Not easily hurt by criticism or adversity.
Humor-filled Quotes:
- “I know I’m as tough as a rusty nail in a tin shed!” - Anonymous
- “If you think she’s soft, try bending a crowbar.” - Unknown
Literature and References:
- George Bernard Shaw’s You Never Can Tell: Explores characters with tough exteriors and hidden depths.
- Heartbreak House and Man and Superman: Spotlight Shaw’s knack for writing hard, unsentimental characters.
Songs:
- “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” by Kelly Clarkson – An anthem of resilience and inner strength.
Movies:
- Die Hard: Because “Yippee-ki-yay,” nothing says tough like Bruce Willis in a vest.
Inspirational Thought:
“Fortitude is not just the firmness of steel but the resolve of a nail - enduring all, grounding strong foundations.”
### Which of these relates to 'hard as nails'?
- [x] Tough as old boots
- [ ] Gentle as a lamb
- [ ] Weak as water
- [ ] Feather-soft
> **Explanation:** "Tough as old boots" is a similar expression indicating resilience and toughness, much like "hard as nails."
### What does 'hard as nails' imply about a person?
- [ ] They are kind-hearted
- [x] They are tough and unsentimental
- [ ] They are easily swayed
- [ ] They are melodious
> **Explanation:** If someone is described as "hard as nails," it means they are tough, unyielding, and often unsentimental.
### Which phrase best matches the concept of resilience?
- [ ] Soft as a pillow
- [x] Thick-skinned
- [ ] Malleable
- [x] Iron-hearted
> **Explanation:** "Thick-skinned" and "Iron-hearted" are both expressions denoting resilience and the ability to withstand adversity.
### True or False: 'Hard as nails' means someone is gentle.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** Absolutely false! "Hard as nails" refers to being tough and unsentimental, the opposite of gentle.
Farewell Note: Embrace your inner strength and remember: It’s through the challenging nail-and-hammer moments that our true resilience is forged. Keep that steely determination alive.
Thank you for exploring idioms with us! -Stella Strongwrite
Published on: 2023-10-02
