hardcases
Difficult, unmanageable people
Hardcases are difficult, stubborn, or tough individuals—people who resist persuasion, show no weakness, or prove hard to handle.
The term often carries grudging respect: The old hardcases in the department weren't impressed by the new management style.
In some contexts, hardcases are simply people facing hard circumstances or caught in difficult situations.
Refusing to change course
- obstinateFirmly refusing to yield
- uncooperativeUnwilling to assist others
- defiantOpenly resisting control
- troublemakerOne who creates discord
rebel · recalcitrant · incorrigible · delinquent · unmanageable · headstrong · willful · intractable
Portable travel container
- briefcasePortable document container
- protectiveServing to guard
- shockproofResistant to sudden impacts
- waterproofImpervious to moisture
rugged · travel · gear · reinforced · impact-resistant · lockable · crushproof · airtight
Party facing charges
- offenderOne who breaks rules
- convictJailed offender after trial
- felonSerious crime perpetrator
- criminalPerson who breaks laws
prosecution · rehabilitation · recidivist · unreformable · sentencing · parole · prison · correctional
Forced choice between undesirables
- conundrumPerplexing problem or question
- paradoxSeemingly absurd truth
- exceptionDeviation from standard
- borderlineEdge of acceptability
ethics · hypothetical · scenario · judgment · reasoning · complexity · nuance · ambiguity
stubborn
Refusing to change course
- obstinateFirmly refusing to yield
- uncooperativeUnwilling to assist others
- defiantOpenly resisting control
troublemaker · rebel · recalcitrant · incorrigible · delinquent · unmanageable · headstrong · willful · intractable · contrarian
suitcase
Portable travel container
- briefcasePortable document container
- protectiveServing to guard
- shockproofResistant to sudden impacts
waterproof · rugged · travel · gear · reinforced · impact-resistant · lockable · crushproof · airtight · stackable
defendant
Party facing charges
criminal · prosecution · rehabilitation · recidivist · unreformable · sentencing · parole · prison · correctional · justice
dilemma
Forced choice between undesirables
- conundrumPerplexing problem or question
- paradoxSeemingly absurd truth
- exceptionDeviation from standard
borderline · ethics · hypothetical · scenario · judgment · reasoning · complexity · nuance · ambiguity · contradiction
hardcasespushovers
Those easily persuaded
softies · easy marks · walkovers · patsies · doormats
hardcasessofties
Overly sentimental people
sweethearts · marshmallows · soft touches · teddy bears · lambs
hardcasesgood eggs
Dependable, likable people
straight arrows · conformists · cooperators · team players · boy scouts