How to Use be tough on in a Sentence

be tough on

idiom
Definition of be tough onnext
  • This ammonia-free formula is designed to be tough on stubborn grime and grit, yet gentle enough to use on delicate stone, tile, and laminate.
    — Kelsey Mulvey, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Nov. 2023
  • But for side sleepers, the lack of contour can be tough on the shoulder.
    — Talene Appleton, Men's Health, 30 Aug. 2023
  • And the pressure to go faster can be tough on students at a time when more than one in five say that their mental health is poor.
    — Jon Marcus, USA TODAY, 23 Aug. 2023
  • The Black Panther actress may be tough on screen, but her birthday falls on the most romantic day of the year.
    — Andrea Wurzburger, Peoplemag, 14 Feb. 2023
  • Plus, it is designed to be tough on dirt and stains while being gentle on fabrics.
    — Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 25 Apr. 2023
  • But getting across the Atlantic Ocean can often be tough on the pursestrings.
    — Rachel Chang, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Jan. 2023
  • Ezekiel Elliott is playing through a knee injury at the moment and this quick turnaround is going to be tough on the team.
    — Jeremy Cluff, The Arizona Republic, 23 Nov. 2021
  • Afer three slugging seasons in Korea, Darin Ruf could prove to be tough on lefty pitchers.
    — Bruce Jenkins, SFChronicle.com, 25 June 2020
  • In general, being a pastor can be tough on the preacher’s kids.
    — al, 17 June 2021
  • Still, Gordon said conditions will be tough on the roads between 3 p.m. and midnight.
    — Krista Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 3 Feb. 2022
  • To make the small lineups that fit Indiana’s personnel work, players like Galloway will need to be tough on the glass.
    — Zach Osterman, The Indianapolis Star, 30 Nov. 2020
  • Philadelphians can be tough on their hometown, griping about the traffic, the crime, the long-suffering sports teams.
    — Ingrid K. Williams, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2023
  • That will be tough on this loaded offense, but he’s developed into a bona fide red zone threat.
    — cleveland, 14 Aug. 2021
  • Even running on plane can be tough on gear with constant bouncing and vibration.
    — Max Inchausti, Field & Stream, 9 Jan. 2023
  • She’s also viewed as a regulator who will be tough on Wall Street excess.
    — Joel Gehrke, Washington Examiner, 24 Dec. 2020
  • This product is designed to be tough on stains and gentle on fabric, ensuring that your clothes come out looking clean and as good as new.
    — Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 22 Apr. 2023
  • This product is designed to be tough on stains and gentle on fabric, ensuring that your clothes come out looking clean and as good as new.
    — Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 22 Apr. 2023
  • Plenty of people love the look and vintage feel of a Westfalia camper or a VW bus, but maintenance can be tough on the oldest vehicles.
    — Vicky Stein, Popular Mechanics, 30 May 2021
  • Removing acrylic can also be tough on the nails, so just remember to be gentle with yourself.
    — Sydney Wingfield, Women's Health, 3 Mar. 2023
  • And everyone running for president in 2024 is going to vow to be tough on China.
    — CBS News, 26 Feb. 2023
  • Speeding characters up while keeping the same level of realism can be tough on gamers.
    — Kyle Hill, Discover Magazine, 15 Apr. 2014
  • James Ferguson, a former member of the parole board, was appointed by George Pataki, who campaigned, in the mid-nineties, on a promise to be tough on crime.
    — The New Yorker, 17 Nov. 2021
  • Designed to be tough on dirt and stains while still being gentle enough not to fade delicate fabrics, these sheets are perfect for all fabric types.
    — Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 8 Apr. 2023
  • Anonymous Anonymous: Agreed, except this can be tough on solo guests who don’t know anyone else there except the couple, and older guests.
    — Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 25 Mar. 2023
  • 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
  • The mayor has been known to be tough on staff and confrontational with critics, contributing to significant staff turnover.
    — Gregory Pratt, chicagotribune.com, 30 June 2021
  • 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, Peoplemag, 22 Aug. 2023
  • 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, Peoplemag, 16 Oct. 2023
  • 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
  • Kids can be tough on clothes and these laundry sheets combat even the toughest of stains without using any harsh chemicals or animal testing.
    — Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 2 Apr. 2023

Some of 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.

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