Also: hard nut to crack
Meaning of Idiom ‘A Tough Nut To Crack’
When something is a tough nut to crack, it is a difficult problem; something that is challenging to solve; a place, group, situation, etc. to which it is difficult to gain entry or acceptance; a person, group, or organization that is difficult to influence; in regards to a person a tough nut to crack can mean someone difficult to deal with or hard to get to know or understand.
Sentence Examples
“I doubt you can talk her into giving you permission. She’s a tough nut to crack.”
“This air-conditioning malfunction is a tough nut to crack. I can’t seem to find the problem.”
“I admit it’s a hard nut to crack but if we don’t do something to solve the climate crisis, our planet is doomed.”
“I’ve been trying to get to know Adam but he’s a hard nut to crack. He really doesn’t talk much about himself.”
Origin
Used since the early 1700s, this idiom alludes to hard-shelled nuts like walnuts that are difficult to break open.
