hard-nosed

hard-nosed  {adj.},  {slang}
Tough or rugged; very strict; not weak or soft; stubborn, especially in a fight or contest.
Joe's father was a hard-nosed army officer who had seen service in two wars.
Pete is a good boy; he plays hard-nosed football.
Compare: HARD-BOILED.
Categories: {adj.} {slang}