do it tough: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘do it tough’ mean?
The idiom "do it tough" means to face or endure a difficult or challenging situation with determination and resilience.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "toughen up" means to become emotionally or mentally stronger and more resilient, often by facing and enduring difficult or challenging situations.
The idiom "face facts" means to accept or confront the truth of a situation, even if it is difficult or unpleasant.
The idiom "easier said than done" means that something is much more difficult to accomplish than it sounds or appears to be.
The idiom "dig one's heels in" means to refuse to change one's mind or course of action despite pressure or opposition.
The idiom "dig one's heels in" has a literal meaning derived from the action of a horse refusing to move forward by digging its heels into the ground. This association between the stubborn behavior of a horse and the determination of a human has been accepted as an idiomatic expression within the English language.
The idiom "dig deep" means to make a great effort, especially in terms of mental or physical strength, to overcome a challenge or difficulty.
The idiom "dig deep" has various meanings and usage in different contexts.
1. The literal meaning of "dig deep" refers to digging into the ground or excavating something. This use of the phrase is common in the context of construction, mining, or gardening.
The idiom "cowboy up" means to toughen up or show courage and determination in the face of a challenge or difficult situation.
The idiom "come through" means to successfully complete or accomplish something, especially when facing difficulties or obstacles.
“Come through” is a commonly used idiom in modern American English. Its exact origin is uncertain, but it is believed to have emerged in the late 19th or early 20th century. It is primarily used as a phrasal verb, and its meaning varies depending on the context.
The idiom "come on strong" means to behave aggressively or assertively, often in a way that is overwhelming or intimidating to others.
The idiom "come hell or high water" means that someone is determined to do something despite any difficulties or obstacles that may arise.
The idiom "carry through" is a commonly used phrase in English language, with a specific meaning that is widely understood. This idiom is often used in a figurative sense to convey the idea of completing or accomplishing something, despite difficulties or obstacles that may arise.
Surviving Challenges
Idiom: do it tough
The idiom "do it tough" is primarily used in Australian English. It is a slang expression that means to go through difficult or challenging circumstances. The phrase is commonly used in colloquial conversations and informal writing.
The word "tough" in this idiom refers to the challenging or harsh nature of the situation being described. The origin of this idiom is uncertain, but it is believed to have emerged in Australian English during the early 20th century. It has since become a common expression in Australia. The idiom can be used to describe various situations, such as financial difficulties, personal struggles, or enduring adverse circumstances.
Analysis:
The idiom "do it tough" is a slang expression primarily used in Australian English. It is commonly used in colloquial conversations and informal writing to describe going through difficult or challenging circumstances. The phrase "do it tough" refers to the resilience and endurance required to navigate challenging situations. The word "tough" in this idiom emphasizes the hardship and severity of the circumstances being described. While the specific origin of this idiom is uncertain, it is believed to have emerged in Australian English during the early 20th century. The phrase has since become ingrained in Australian vernacular, but its exact entry into widespread usage remains unclear.
The idiom "do it tough" can be applied to a range of situations, reflecting the diverse challenges people may face. It can describe financial difficulties, such as struggling to make ends meet or facing economic hardships. Additionally, it can encompass personal struggles, encompassing mental or emotional challenges that require resilience and perseverance. The idiom can also describe enduring adverse circumstances, such as difficult living conditions or enduring a difficult phase in life. It is a versatile expression that captures the experiences of individuals confronting various obstacles.
While the idiom "do it tough" is primarily associated with Australian English, its resonance extends beyond regional boundaries, as the notion of facing adversity resonates with people in different cultures. The phrase embodies a universal concept of resilience and the human ability to navigate challenging circumstances. As language continually evolves, it is intriguing to consider how this idiom may continue to permeate other varieties of English and potentially find relevance in different contexts.
The idiom "do it tough" shares a similar meaning and sentiment with the expression "toughen up." Both idioms emphasize the need to endure difficult situations and develop resilience. While "do it tough" focuses on going through challenging circumstances, "toughen up" implies the action of becoming tougher or more resilient. The phrase "toughen up" encourages individuals to strengthen themselves mentally, emotionally, or physically to face adversity head-on. It suggests that by developing resilience and a tough mindset, individuals can overcome difficulties more effectively.
In a similar vein, the idiom "do it tough" can also be related to the expression "bone hard." Both idioms convey the idea of facing extreme hardships or enduring severely challenging circumstances. "Bone hard" suggests a level of toughness and endurance comparable to the hardness of bones. It implies that the individual has become hardened and resilient through enduring difficult experiences. The phrase "bone hard" characterizes individuals who have been through tough times and emerged stronger and more resilient as a result.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "do it tough" can be used in a sentence:
- After losing his job, John had to do it tough and take on multiple part-time jobs to make ends meet.
- During their hike in the mountains, the group had to do it tough and endure harsh weather conditions.
- After their car broke down in the middle of nowhere, Sarah and Mark had to do it tough and walk for miles to find help.
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