🌰 Tough Nut to Crack, A
Definition:
A tough nut to crack or a hard nut to crack refers to a difficult problem or a person who is hard to deal with. This analogy dates back to the early 18th century.
Examples:
- Solving that old riddle was truly a tough nut to crack.
- Negotiating with him is always a challenge; he’s one tough nut to crack.
Synonyms:
- A tough customer
- A tough cookie
- A hard case
- A thorn in someone’s side
Antonyms:
- A walk in the park
- A piece of cake
- A pushover
- An easy task
Humor-Filled Quote:
“Arguing with a difficult person is like reading a magic 8-ball—it rarely makes sense and always leaves you questioning your life choices.” – Archie Chucklesworth
Related Proverbs:
- “You can’t judge a book by its cover.” Once you crack that tough nut, you might find something surprising inside.
- “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” Even tough nuts can be cracked with perseverance.
Literature & References:
- Barnaby Rudge by Charles Dickens: “Rather a tough customer in argument, Joe, if anybody was to try and tackle him.”
- The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin by Benjamin Franklin: “Fortified towns are hard nuts to crack; and your teeth have not been accustomed to it.”
Recommended Songs and Poetry:
- Song: “Hard to Handle” by The Black Crowes – A rock anthem dedicated to the tough nuts we all encounter.
- Poetry: “Invictus” by William Ernest Henley – For enduring life’s tough nuts with unbowed strength.
Movies:
- Die Hard (1988): John McClane is the definition of a “tough nut to crack.”
- The Shawshank Redemption (1994): Inspiring tale of cracking tough situations.
### Which idiom means 'a difficult problem'?
- [x] A tough nut to crack
- [ ] A feather in one's cap
- [ ] A stitch in time
- [ ] Selling like hotcakes
> **Explanation:** "A tough nut to crack" is a well-known idiom for a difficult problem. The others have different meanings.
### Which of the following phrases is a synonym for 'a tough nut to crack'?
- [x] A tough cookie
- [ ] Easy as pie
- [ ] Smooth sailing
- [ ] Lemon squeezy
> **Explanation:** "A tough cookie" is synonymous, meaning someone or something difficult to deal with. The others suggest ease.
### True or False: The idiom "a tough nut to crack" can refer to both a problem and a person.
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** True. It can refer to both a difficult problem and a difficult person to deal with.
Farewell, dear reader! Remember, every knotty problem is but another tough nut to crack. Rise up to the challenge with humor and perseverance. 🌟 - Eli Lutka, 2023
