hardnose
Won't budge person
A hardnose is someone who is tough, uncompromising, and unsentimental—a person who won't bend rules or make exceptions.
The term often describes negotiators, coaches, or managers known for strict discipline: The new boss is a real hardnose about deadlines.
As a verb, to hardnose is to apply pressure without yielding.
Requiring great effort
- domineeringAggressively asserting control
- authoritativeHaving recognized expertise
- commandingExerting strong authority
- forcefulExerting strong pressure
assertive · intimidating · brusque · gruff · stern · cold · uncompromising · imperious
Strict enforcer of rules
- demandingRequiring great effort
- exactingDemanding great care
- rigorousExtremely thorough and careful
- stringentSeverely exact and demanding
meticulous · perfectionist · unforgiving · taskmaster · authoritarian · by-the-book · zero-tolerance · unbending
Firmly refusing to yield
- mulishStubbornly refusing to yield
- pigheadedStubbornly refusing to yield
- bullheadedStubbornly refusing to yield
- headstrongStubbornly self-willed
intransigent · immovable · unbending · unyielding · adamant · obdurate · willful · recalcitrant
One accepting hard truths
- practicalSuited for real use
- no-nonsenseSerious and efficient
- unsentimentalLacking emotional softness
- clear-eyedPerceiving without distortion
hard-headed · matter-of-fact · results-oriented · tough-minded · businesslike · calculating · shrewd · unromantic
Firmness of purpose
- gritDetermination or abrasive particles
- tenacityPersistent grip or resolve
- perseveranceSustained resolve despite obstacles
- fortitudeEnduring courage under pain
backbone · willpower · steadfastness · dogged · relentless · unflinching · indomitable · iron-willed
demanding
Requiring great effort
- domineeringAggressively asserting control
- authoritativeHaving recognized expertise
- commandingExerting strong authority
forceful · assertive · intimidating · brusque · gruff · stern · cold · uncompromising · imperious · hard-bitten
disciplinarian
Strict enforcer of rules
stringent · meticulous · perfectionist · unforgiving · taskmaster · authoritarian · by-the-book · zero-tolerance · unbending · harsh
obstinate
Firmly refusing to yield
- mulishStubbornly refusing to yield
- pigheadedStubbornly refusing to yield
- bullheadedStubbornly refusing to yield
headstrong · intransigent · immovable · unbending · unyielding · adamant · obdurate · willful · recalcitrant · unpersuadable
realist
One accepting hard truths
- practicalSuited for real use
- no-nonsenseSerious and efficient
- unsentimentalLacking emotional softness
clear-eyed · hard-headed · matter-of-fact · results-oriented · tough-minded · businesslike · calculating · shrewd · unromantic · utilitarian
resolve
Firmness of purpose
- gritDetermination or abrasive particles
- tenacityPersistent grip or resolve
- perseveranceSustained resolve despite obstacles
fortitude · backbone · willpower · steadfastness · dogged · relentless · unflinching · indomitable · iron-willed · single-minded
hardnosepushover
Easily defeated opponent
softie · soft touch · easy mark · doormat · patsy
hardnosesofty
Tender-hearted person
sentimentalist · marshmallow · bleeding heart · sympathizer · empath