be tough on

idiom

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web While static plank holds can be tough on their own, Mitchell added movement to the ab-torching exercise by placing her feet on a slider and navigating her body through space while maintaining tension and control in her core. Philip Ellis, Men's Health, 25 Jan. 2023 The powerful computing chips in game consoles, for instance, require an array of rare minerals and refined materials whose extraction can be tough on the environment and on human life. Daniel Starkey, Ars Technica, 4 Sep. 2022 Its lightweight and ergonomic handle makes this frother all the more desirable, as holding an uncomfortable device for too long can be tough on the wrist. Alyssa Brascia, PEOPLE.com, 21 July 2022 Running the Indianapolis 500 (May 29), Detroit doubleheader (June 4-5) and Road America (June 12) on consecutive weekends would be tough on teams. Dave Kallmann, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 15 Sep. 2021 That will be tough on this loaded offense, but he’s developed into a bona fide red zone threat. cleveland, 14 Aug. 2021 As Pratt has reported, the mayor has been known to be tough on staff and confrontational with critics, contributing to significant staff turnover. Lisa Donovan, chicagotribune.com, 30 June 2021 The cleaning and care products were created with advice from doctors to be tough on grime and safe for people with allergies and sensitive of skin. oregonlive, 21 Apr. 2021 Temperatures are not likely to cool in Washington, either, given the consensus across the aisle to be tough on China and hardening American public perceptions. Nectar Gan, CNN, 8 Mar. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'be tough on.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Dictionary Entries Near be tough on

Cite this Entry

“Be tough on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/be%20tough%20on. Accessed 30 May. 2023.

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