toughie

IPA/ˈtʌfi/
KK[tˈʌfi]IPA/ˈtʌfi/

toughie — noun

  • toughiesingular
  • toughiesplural

1. a question, choice, or problem that is very hard to answer, solve, or decide abo

1.名詞B2
釋義

a question, choice, or problem that is very hard to answer, solve, or decide about.

例句

Asked which sister should inherit the farm, Caio called it a real toughie.

call something a real toughie

Choosing between the two scholarships was a toughie for Wren and her parents.

be a toughie for [person]

同義詞
  • problem

    broader and more neutral; it does not always suggest a difficult answer or decision

  • puzzle

    often suggests something that is confusing and needs thought to understand

  • stumper

    more strongly suggests a question that leaves someone unable to answer

反義詞
  • no-brainer

    informal term for a question or choice that is very easy

文法句型

be a toughie

call something a toughie

a real toughie

用法筆記

Usually heard in informal spoken English when someone reacts to a hard question or decision on the spot. It sounds more conversational and personal than the more neutral word problem.

2. a rough, aggressive person who is quick to fight, threaten people, or cause trou

2.名詞C1
釋義

a rough, aggressive person who is quick to fight, threaten people, or cause trouble.

例句

The nightclub bouncer threw one toughie out after he threatened two students.

one toughie out

At the bus stop, Yael warned us not to argue with the local toughie.

the local toughie

同義詞
  • thug

    stronger and more negative; often suggests criminal violence

  • bully

    focuses on hurting or frightening weaker people rather than general rowdy violence

  • hooligan

    often suggests noisy, public, group-based violence or vandalism

反義詞
  • peacemaker

    someone who tries to calm conflict instead of starting or escalating it

文法句型

be a toughie

the local toughie

act like a toughie

用法筆記

Usually labels someone as dangerous or rough in a neighborhood, school, or group. Distinguish from sense 3: this sense emphasizes aggression toward other people, not calm strength under pressure.

3. a person who stays brave and steady under pressure, and is hard to frighten, wea

3.名詞C1
釋義

a person who stays brave and steady under pressure, and is hard to frighten, wear down, or defeat.

例句

Even after three operations, Christopher stayed a toughie and walked back into training.

stay a toughie

Kenji may look quiet, but he is a toughie during long negotiations.

be a toughie under pressure

同義詞
  • fighter

    emphasizes active struggle against difficulty, illness, or opposition

  • survivor

    focuses on coming through hardship rather than on seeming hard to defeat

  • stalwart

    more formal; stresses loyal strength and dependability

反義詞
  • weakling

    informal term for someone seen as lacking strength or endurance

  • softie

    informal term for someone easily upset, persuaded, or intimidated

文法句型

be a toughie

stay a toughie

prove to be a toughie

用法筆記

Often sounds admiring or respectful. Distinguish from sense 2: this sense is about resilience and nerve, so the person may be quiet or kind rather than violent.