hard-shell
Like a crab
Hard-shell describes something with a rigid outer covering, like a hard-shell crab or hard-shell suitcase.
Figuratively, hard-shell means unyielding or uncompromising, especially in beliefs: hard-shell conservatives, hard-shell Baptists.
The hyphenated form typically modifies a noun; without the hyphen, it usually stands alone: The clams are hard shell.
Pincer-bearing shellfish
- lobsterLarge marine shellfish
- shrimpSmall edible crustacean
- crawfishSmall freshwater lobster relative
- prawnEdible marine decapod
clam · oyster · mussel · barnacle · mollusk · bivalve · carapace · exoskeleton
Protective dorsal exoskeleton
- exoskeletonExternal skeletal structure
- plastronVentral shell portion
- scuteHorny protective plate
- tortoiseLand-dwelling shelled reptile
turtle · armadillo · trilobite · nautilus · conch · abalone · chitin · scale
Refusing to yield ground
- stubbornRefusing to change course
- traditionalistAdherent to established customs
- orthodoxConforming to established belief
- fundamentalistStrict original-doctrine adherent
hardliner · staunch · rigid · inflexible · conservative · dogmatic · purist · strict
Liable to shatter
- inflexibleUnable to bend
- stiffNot easily bent
- unyieldingRefusing to give way
- hardenedMade tough or unfeeling
solid · unbending · inelastic · fixed · sturdy · rigid · firm · calcified
Protective head covering
- casingEnclosing cover or frame
- encasementProtective outer shell
- shieldingProtecting from harm
- coverProtect by overlaying
guard · barrier · reinforced · impact-resistant · shatterproof · luggage · suitcase · case
crab
Pincer-bearing shellfish
prawn · clam · oyster · mussel · barnacle · mollusk · bivalve · carapace · exoskeleton · decapod
carapace
Protective dorsal exoskeleton
- exoskeletonExternal skeletal structure
- plastronVentral shell portion
- scuteHorny protective plate
tortoise · turtle · armadillo · trilobite · nautilus · conch · abalone · chitin · scale · ankylosaurus
uncompromising
Refusing to yield ground
- stubbornRefusing to change course
- traditionalistAdherent to established customs
- orthodoxConforming to established belief
fundamentalist · hardliner · staunch · rigid · inflexible · conservative · dogmatic · purist · strict · unwavering
brittle
Liable to shatter
- inflexibleUnable to bend
- stiffNot easily bent
- unyieldingRefusing to give way
hardened · solid · unbending · inelastic · fixed · sturdy · rigid · firm · calcified · ossified
helmet
Protective head covering
- casingEnclosing cover or frame
- encasementProtective outer shell
- shieldingProtecting from harm
cover · guard · barrier · reinforced · impact-resistant · shatterproof · luggage · suitcase · case · gear
- gear featuresdurable, adjustable, breathable, lightweight, waterproof
- luggagesuitcase, carry-on bag, carry-on, duffel bag, checked bag
hard-shellsoft-shell
Having flexible covering
moderate · flexible · open-minded · progressive · liberal
hard-shellsoft-shell
Having flexible covering
flexible · fabric · canvas · unstructured · collapsible