(as) tough as old boots

(as) tough as old boots

Having great strength of body, mind, or will; not susceptible to sickness or injury. My grandmother is tough as old boots—she lived through the Great Depression and raised four kids pretty much all on her own! That guy's tough as old boots; 400 consecutive games, and not even a sprained ankle.
See also: boot, old, tough
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

tough as old boots

BRITISH or

tough as nails

If someone is tough as old boots or tough as nails, they have a strong character and do not get upset easily. Barbara is tough as old boots and rules her husband with an iron hand. This man was a very friendly in a large group, but across a negotiating table was just tough as nails.
See also: boot, old, tough
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

tough as old boots

very sturdy or resilient.
Leather, of which boots are traditionally made, is notably strong and resistant to wear and tear. As tough as leather was in fact the earliest version of this phrase, although it has now been superseded by the current form.
1967 Listener This is no sweet old dolly…She is tough as old boots, working for a living.
See also: boot, old, tough
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

(as) tough as old ˈboots

(informal)
1 (of food) be very tough and difficult to chew: This steak’s as tough as old boots.
2 very strong and able to bear pain, criticism, etc. without complaining or giving up: Don’t worry, she’ll soon recover. She’s tough as old boots.
See also: boot, old, tough
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • tough as old boots
  • (as) tough as leather
  • all over the map
  • map
  • have to go some
  • have to go some to (do something)
  • great many
  • a great many
  • have a good name (somewhere or in something)
  • gone to the great (something) in the sky