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Toughen Up

What Does "Toughen Up" Mean?

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"Toughen up" is an English idiom. It means "to become emotionally or mentally stronger and more resilient, often as a response to difficulties or hardships."

Examples in Sentences

Here are three examples of the idiom "toughen up" used in a sentence:
  • After facing rejection several times, he decided to toughen up and continue pursuing his dream career.
  • The military training program is designed to toughen up recruits and prepare them for challenging missions.
  • Adversity can help individuals toughen up and develop a stronger sense of character.
meaning for toughen up

What Is an Idiom?

An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. In other words, if you were to translate "Toughen Up" word for word, there is no guarantee the translation would help you to understand the meaning.

An idiom often includes a cultural or historical context that makes it difficult for non-native English speakers to understand. A phrase is classified as an idiom when a direct translation of the words does not reveal the meaning. Most idioms rely on shared knowledge or experiences known only to a specific community.

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