Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s Dictionary полностью

2 ADJ If you describe someone as tough , you mean that they are rough and violent. □  He had shot three people dead, earning himself a reputation as a tough guy. ● N‑COUNT A tough is a tough person. □  Three burly toughs elbowed their way to the front.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A tough place or area is considered to have a lot of crime and violence. □  She doesn't seem cut out for this tough neighbourhood.

4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A tough way of life or period of time is difficult or full of suffering. □  He was having a really tough time at work.

5 ADJ [ADJ to-inf] A tough task or problem is difficult to do or solve. □  It was a very tough decision but we feel we made the right one.

6 ADJ Tough policies or actions are strict and firm. □  He is known for taking a tough line on security.

7 ADJ A tough substance is strong, and difficult to break, cut, or tear. □  In industry, diamond can form a tough, non-corrosive coating for tools.

8 ADJ Tough meat is difficult to cut and chew. □  The steak was tough and the peas were like bullets.

9 PHRASE If someone who is trying to achieve something hangs tough , they remain determined and do not give up, even when there are difficulties or problems. [AM , INFORMAL ] □  The White House is hanging tough for a good agreement to be reached.

tou gh coo kie (tough cookies ) N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a tough cookie , you mean that they are unemotional and are not easily hurt by what people say or do.

tough|en /tʌ f ^ə n/ (toughens , toughening , toughened )

1 VERB If you toughen something or if it toughens , you make it stronger so that it will not break easily. □ [V n] Do not add salt to beans when cooking as this tends to toughen the skins. [Also V ]

2 VERB If a person, institution, or law toughens its policies, regulations, or punishments, it makes them firmer or stricter. □ [V n] Talks are under way to toughen trade restrictions. ● PHRASAL VERB Toughen up means the same as toughen . □ [V P n] The new law toughens up penalties for those that misuse guns. [Also V n P ]

3 VERB If an experience toughens you, it makes you stronger and more independent in character. □ [V n] They believe that participating in fights toughens boys and shows them how to be men. ● PHRASAL VERB Toughen up means the same as toughen . □ [V n P ] He thinks boxing is good for kids, that it toughens them up. □ [V P ] My father tried to teach me to toughen up. [Also V P n (not pron)]

tou gh lo ve N‑UNCOUNT Tough love is the practice of being very strict with someone in order to help them overcome a problem with their behaviour. □  The warden runs the prison with his personal brand of tough love.

tou|pee /tuː pe I , [AM ] tuːpe I / (toupees ) N‑COUNT A toupee is a piece of artificial hair worn by a man to cover a patch on his head where he has lost his hair.

tour ◆◆◇ /tʊə ^r / (tours , touring , toured )

1 N‑COUNT A tour is an organized trip that people such as musicians, politicians, or theatre companies go on to several different places, stopping to meet people or perform. □  The band are currently on a two-month tour of Europe. □  …a presidential campaign tour in Illinois. ● PHRASE When people are travelling on a tour, you can say that they are on tour . □  The band will be going on tour.

2 VERB When people such as musicians, politicians, or theatre companies tour , they go on a tour, for example in order to perform or to meet people. □ [V n] A few years ago they toured the country in a roadshow. □ [V ] He toured for nearly two years and played 500 sell-out shows.