a hard case

a hard case

A person who is cynical, hostile, or difficult to work with or be around. John can be a bit of a hard case when you first meet him, but he's actually a very decent guy once you get to know him. I heard they're sending a real hard case to evaluate our appeal, so I don't know how good our chances are.
See also: case, hard
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

a hard case

1 a tough or intractable person. 2 an amusing or eccentric person. Australian & New Zealand
See also: case, hard
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

hard case

1. n. a case of liquor. Pete wanted a hard case delivered to his house.
2. n. a person who is a real problem. Jed has turned into a hard case. He’s fighting us at every turn.
See also: case, hard
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
See also:
  • hard case
  • a bit of a...
  • a bit of a/an
  • do (one's) bit
  • do bit
  • do one's bit
  • do your bit
  • bark is worse than one's bite, one's
  • bit by bit
  • paw