Where does the term hard-nosed come from?

etymonline, an Etymology (word origin) dictionary: In the 1950s hard-nosed begins to be used for tough or relentless characters like Marines. Perhaps it began as a figurative extension of the use in reference to bullets.

What does the term hard-nosed mean?

Definition of hard-nosed 1 : being tough, stubborn, or uncompromising. 2 : hardheaded sense 2, tough-minded.

What is a hard-nosed businessman?

adjective [usu ADJ n] You use hard-nosed to describe someone who is tough and realistic, and who makes decisions on practical grounds rather than emotional ones. [informal] If nothing else, Doug is a hard-nosed businessman.

What is another word for hard-nosed?

Find another word for hard-nosed. In this page you can discover 20 synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and related words for hard-nosed, like: unyielding, hard-headed, obstinate, resolute, bullheaded, hard-boiled, hardheaded, inflexible, mulish, obdurate and pigheaded.

What does the term clutch mean?

In slang, clutch refers to something done (well) in crucial situation, such as clutch play in sports that pushes a team into victory. More broadly, clutch can characterize something as “excellent” or “effective.”

Is hard nosed an idiom?

You use hard-nosed to describe someone who is tough and realistic, and who takes decisions on practical grounds rather than emotional ones. If nothing else, Doug is a hard-nosed businessman.

What does half heart mean?

Definition of half-hearted : lacking heart, spirit, or interest a half-hearted effort halfhearted applause.

What does it mean to be property owning?

Definitions of property-owning. adjective. owning land or securities as a principal source of revenue. synonyms: propertied upper-class. occupying the highest socioeconomic position in a society.

What does clutched up mean in slang?

in. to become very tense and anxious; to freeze with anxiety. I have been known to clutch up before a race.