Hard-nosed
Meaning
Resolute and unsentimental, typically with a practical and tough approach.
Origin
The phrase "hard-nosed" evokes the vivid image of someone literally having a tough, unyielding nose, perhaps one that has seen a few scrapes or simply denotes a lack of sensitivity. Emerging into popular American English in the early 20th century, particularly during the rough-and-tumble industrial era, it quickly became a potent descriptor for individuals who were uncompromising, practical, and unsentimental. These were the people who wouldn't flinch in the face of adversity, whose resolve was as unyielding as bone and cartilage, refusing to be swayed by emotion or superficial pleasantries, making it a badge of honor in cutthroat business and politics.
Examples
- The negotiators took a hard-nosed approach, refusing to compromise on key terms.
- She earned a reputation as a hard-nosed businesswoman who always got what she wanted.