tough

hang tough: seehang.

a tough act to follow: see a hard act to follow atact

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 As tough as leather was in fact the earliest version of this phrase, although it has now been superseded by the current form.

1967Listener This is no sweet old dolly…She is tough as old boots, working for a living.

tough it out endure a period of difficult conditions. informal

1998Cosmopolitan Hang in there and tough it out. If you don't, you might be left with permanent fears about starting in new jobs, and that will stifle your career.

tough shit (or titty) used to express a lack of sympathy with someone or their problems. vulgar slang