be tough on

idiom

: causing stress or worry to (someone)
This year has been tough on our family.

Examples of be tough on in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Eat Small Meals Large meals can be tough on your digestive system during a flare. Lindsay Curtis, Health, 1 Aug. 2025 While the Bright Angel Trail is well maintained and popular, its steep descent can be tough on the knees, especially on the return. AFAR Media, 7 July 2025 Be prepared for coarse rock that can be tough on the hands. Matthew Tostevin, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 July 2025 Hall also notes that dishwasher cycles can be tough on glazes and old paints, which can cause damage over time. Shivani Vyas, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for be tough on

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Be tough on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/be%20tough%20on. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!