hard nut to crack

Definitions

1. 1

   A problem that is challenging to solve.

   • He saw the dilemma. . . . It was a hard nut to crack. He could see no way out of it.
   • Germany's inflation proves a hard nut to crack.
2. 2

   A situation, person, group, etc. which is difficult to overcome or deal with.

   • The coast lad found the veteran Mike McTigue a hard nut to crack and judging from the look on the Californian's face when the final bell sounded, he was mighty happy that the fight was over.
   • "But Belarus is a hard nut to crack, and it has used these methods to slip out of these East-West pincers before," says Alexander Klaskovsky.
3. 3

   A place, opportunity, etc. to which it is difficult to gain entry.

   • Durango, however, may be a hard nut to crack, as it is strong strategically and is reported guarded by 4000 rebels.
   • Nice work if you can get it, but the luxury market is a hard nut to crack.
4. ›+ 2 more definitionsshow fewer

   1. 4

      An amount that is difficult to finance.

   2. 5

      Used other than figuratively or idiomatically

      Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see hard, nut, crack.

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