[hard-fisted] {adj.} 1. Able to do hard physical labor; strong. * /Jack's uncle was a hard-fisted truck driver with muscles of steel./ 2. Not gentle or easy-going; tough; stern. * […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

hard row to hoe

[hard row to hoe] or [tough row to hoe] {n. phr.} A hard life to live; a very hard job to do. * /She has a hard row to hoe […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

hard nut to crack

[hard nut to crack] also [tough nut to crack] {n. phr.}, {informal} Something difficult to understand or to do. * /Tom's algebra lesson was a hard nut to crack./ * […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

hard-hitting

[hard-hitting] {adj.} Working hard to get things done; strong and active; stubbornly eager. * /The boys put on a hard-hitting drive to raise money for uniforms for the football team./ […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

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tongue

[tongue] See: [AT THE TIP OF ONE'S TONGUE], [CAT GET ONE'S TONGUE], [HOLD ONE'S TONGUE], [KEEP A CIVIL TONGUE IN ONE'S […]

Tom Masson

(1866-1934), writer There are seventy million books in American libraries, but the one you want is always out.

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blow up in one's face

[blow up in one's face] {v. phr.}, {informal} To fail completely and with unexpected force. * /The thief's plan to rob the […]

get up with the chickens

[get up with the chickens] or [rise with the chickens] {v. phr.} To rise very early in the morning. * /All the farmers in […]

hire out

[hire out] {v.}, {informal} 1. To accept a job; take employment. * /Frank hired out as a saxophonist with a dance band./ 2. […]

saber rattling

[saber rattling] or [sword rattling] {n.} A show of military strength usually to frighten; a threat of military force. * […]