
The phrase 'hard as nails' is used to describe someone who is tough, unyielding, and insensitive. It is often used to describe someone who is physically tough or has a tough attitude towards other people or situations. People described as 'hard as nails' are often seen as aggressive, unsympathetic, and not easily influenced.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Toughness | Very tough |
| Emotional state | Not sentimental, not easily influenced, unyielding, callous, unsympathetic, insensitive |
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What You'll Learn

Tough and aggressive
To be 'hard as nails' is to be tough, unyielding, and unsentimental. The phrase is used to describe someone who is insensitive, callous, and unsympathetic. They are not easily influenced and do not show their emotions. The phrase 'hard as nails' is often used before a noun, for example, 'her hard-as-nails attitude'. The phrase alludes to the rigidity of nails and has been used since the 14th century when the phrase 'hard as flint stone' was used.
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Unsympathetic and unyielding
To be 'hard as nails' is to be tough, unyielding, callous and unsympathetic. Someone who is 'hard as nails' does not show their emotions and is insensitive to the feelings of others. They are not sentimental and are not easily influenced. The phrase 'hard as nails' is used to describe someone who is rigid and unmoving in their beliefs and opinions, much like a nail.
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Not sentimental
To be 'hard as nails' means to be tough, unyielding, insensitive, callous, unsympathetic and unemotional. It is used to describe someone who is not sentimental or easily influenced.
People who are 'hard as nails' do not show their emotions and are not influenced by the emotions of others. They are tough and unyielding in their beliefs and opinions. They may be seen as insensitive or callous because they do not show sympathy, fear or worry.
The phrase 'hard as nails' is often used to describe someone who is politically strong and unwavering in their beliefs. For example, a politician may be described as 'hard as nails' if they are unmoved by opposition and stick firmly to their policies.
In a social context, someone who is 'hard as nails' may be seen as a leader or a strong, independent person. They are not easily influenced by others and are not swayed by emotional appeals. They may be seen as tough and unemotional, which can be a source of respect or admiration.
Being 'hard as nails' can also have negative connotations. It may suggest that a person is cold, unfeeling, or uncaring. They may be seen as insensitive or callous because they do not show emotions or sympathy. In some cases, they may be viewed as lacking empathy or understanding.
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Not easily influenced
To be 'hard as nails' means to be extremely tough, unyielding, and insensitive. People who are 'hard as nails' are not easily influenced by others, and they do not show their emotions. They are often described as callous and unsympathetic. The phrase 'hard as nails' is thought to have replaced the 14th-century simile 'hard as flint stone', alluding to the rigidity of nails.
People who are 'hard as nails' are often unmoved by the feelings of others and may be seen as insensitive or callous. They do not easily give in to pressure or change their minds, and they are not swayed by emotional appeals. This can be seen as a strength, as they are able to remain focused and determined in the face of adversity. However, it can also be seen as a weakness, as they may appear cold or uncaring to others.
Those who are 'hard as nails' are often able to make difficult decisions without being swayed by personal feelings or outside influences. They may be seen as strong and determined, able to stand up for themselves and what they believe in. On the other hand, they may also be seen as stubborn or inflexible, unwilling to compromise or consider other points of view.
In some cases, being 'hard as nails' can be a protective mechanism, a way of guarding against potential hurt or disappointment. By not showing their emotions, people who are 'hard as nails' may feel that they are protecting themselves from being taken advantage of or hurt by others. However, this can also lead to a sense of isolation or disconnection from others, as they may find it difficult to form close relationships or express their true feelings.
Overall, the phrase 'hard as nails' describes someone who is tough, unyielding, and not easily influenced by others. While this can be seen as a strength in some situations, it can also have its drawbacks, as it may lead to a person appearing cold or inflexible to others.
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Stern
The phrase 'hard as nails' is used to describe someone who is stern and unyielding. It suggests that the person is tough and not easily influenced or moved by emotions. This expression has replaced the 14th-century simile 'hard as flint stone' and presumably alludes to the rigidity of nails.
Someone who is hard as nails is often described as being insensitive or callous. They may be seen as lacking in sympathy or pity. This phrase can be used to describe someone who is politically hard-line or who holds strong, unwavering opinions.
For example, one might say, "Don't ask her for a contribution—she's hard as nails." This implies that the person being referred to is not likely to be swayed or influenced by emotional appeals and is unlikely to show sympathy or give in to requests.
In summary, a person who is hard as nails is tough, unyielding, and emotionally detached. They do not easily give in to requests or show sympathy, and they are not influenced by emotional appeals. This phrase is often used to describe someone who is stern and unwavering in their opinions or political stance.
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Frequently asked questions
Someone who is 'hard as nails' is tough, unyielding, and unsympathetic. They may be physically tough, or tough in their attitude towards other people or situations.
Someone who is physically 'hard as nails' is tough and aggressive.
Someone who is 'hard as nails' in their attitude is insensitive, callous, and unyielding. They are not sentimental and do not show their emotions.
You might say: 'Don't try to bargain with Liz. She's as hard as nails'.











































