tough luck
Definition of tough luck
informal
—used in speech to show sympathy for someone who has failed or has been disappointed You lost your job? Oh, tough luck. ; often used in an ironic way to show that one does not feel sympathy for someone “I need more time to finish the job.” “Tough luck. You knew the job was supposed to be done by today.”
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Word by Word Definitions
: difficult to accomplish, resolve, endure, or deal with
: capable of enduring strain, hardship, or severe labor
: unruly, rowdyish
: in a tough manner (see 1tough)
: a tough and violent person : rowdy
: to bear unflinchingly : endure
: a force that brings good fortune or adversity
: the events or circumstances that operate for or against an individual
: favoring chance
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