hard case
Stubborn, difficult person
A hard case is someone difficult to deal with—stubborn, unmanageable, or resistant to change.
The term often carries grudging respect: He's a hard case, but he gets results.
In some contexts, it describes someone hardened by life circumstances, tough and unsentimental.
A hard case can also be a difficult situation or problem: Immigration reform is a hard case for any administration.
One who creates discord
- recidivistHabitual criminal returner
- delinquentFailing in duty
- incorrigibleImpossible to reform
- obstinateFirmly refusing to yield
defiant · unmanageable · difficult · stubborn · rebel · rogue · offender · misfit
troublemaker
One who creates discord
- recidivistHabitual criminal returner
- delinquentFailing in duty
- incorrigibleImpossible to reform
obstinate · defiant · unmanageable · difficult · stubborn · rebel · rogue · offender · misfit · contrarian
obstacle
Something blocking the way
- adversitySevere difficulty or suffering
- dilemmaForced choice between undesirables
- predicamentDifficult, unpleasant situation
crisis · struggle · complication · quagmire · ordeal · impasse · conundrum · stalemate · bind · plight
- pencil casespencil box, pencil pouch, zippered pouch, zipper pouch, metal tin
- equipment cases
- tackle box partstrays, compartments, dividers, latches, handles
- baggagesuitcase, luggage, checked bag, carry-on, hand luggage
- luggagesuitcase, carry-on bag, carry-on, duffel bag, checked bag
- tough guystough guys, tough guy, thug, thugs, enforcer
hard casepushover
Easily defeated opponent
softie · soft touch · easy mark · doormat · people pleaser
hard casebleeding heart
Overly sentimental liberal
sentimentalist · open book · romantic · softy · tender heart