tough as leather
(as) tough as (old) (shoe) leather
1. Having great physical strength, health, or resilience. Marty has played in 500 straight games without an injury. The guy's as tough as old shoe leather. Bert is as tough as leather, so he'll have no trouble helping you move all this furniture!
2. Having a very tough, leathery texture or consistency (as of meat). This steak is as tough as leather—I can barely even cut through it with a knife! That chicken's going to end up tough as old shoe leather if you leave it in the oven any longer.
3. Resisting emotional reactions or displays. Our aunt is as tough as old leather, so we asked her to give the eulogy, knowing that she's the only one who could do it without crying.
4. Displaying determination or inflexibility. You'll never get Rich to change his opinion—he's as tough as old shoe leather when it comes to politics.
See also: leather, tough
(as) tough as leather
Having great strength of body, mind, or will; no susceptible to sickness or injury. My grandmother is tough as leather—she lived through the Great Depression and raised four kids pretty much all on her own! That guy's tough as leather; 400 consecutive games, and not even a sprained ankle.
See also: leather, tough
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
tough as leather
1. If something is as tough as leather, it is very tough. Her hands were tough as leather.
2. If someone is tough as leather, they have a strong character or body and do not get upset or hurt easily. He's shown he's tough as leather.
See also: leather, tough
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
- (as) tough as (old) (shoe) leather
- leather
- tough as an old boot
- (as) tough as an old boot
- be (as) tough as shoe leather
- be (as) tough as old boots
- be (as) tough as nails
- iron man
- blivit
- blowhard