Hello and welcome to Daily English! Today’s expression is tough cookie. Once again, tough cookie.

Can you guess what it means? Here are two hints:

Imagine a friend who goes through a tough breakup but bounces back stronger than ever.

Or think of someone like a famous athlete who keeps pushing through pain and challenges to win a championship.

What do you think tough cookie means?

 A tough cookie refers to a person who is mentally or emotionally strong, resilient, and able to handle difficult situations without breaking down. It’s often a compliment to recognize someone’s strength and determination.

Examples:

"My grandmother is a tough cookie. She raised five kids on her own and still manages to smile through every challenge."

"Serena Williams is a tough cookie on the court. She’s faced injuries, criticism, and setbacks but keeps dominating in tennis.

"I thought I was a tough cookie until I tried to put together IKEA furniture without the manual!"

Work

"Our manager is a tough cookie. She handled the company’s biggest crisis without losing her cool."

This expression is informal and used often in casual conversations. It’s a fun way to recognize someone’s toughness and perseverance, especially after overcoming difficulties.

Your Turn!

Host: Do you know someone who’s a tough cookie? Maybe you’ve been one yourself in tough times. Share your stories—I’d love to hear them!