get tough with

Idioms and Phrases

Become harsh, severe, unyielding with someone. For example, We have to get tough with these people or we'll get nowhere . [c. 1930]

Example Sentences

His strategy has therefore been to get tough with Pyongyang.

From BBC

The 2021 law was among attempts by the U.S to get tough with China over its alleged systemic and widespread abuse of ethnic and religious minorities in its western region, especially the Uyghurs.

From Seattle Times

Ms Rayner vowed to "get tough" with developers who tried to "wriggle out" of their social obligations.

From BBC

The campaign is part of a larger strategy to get tough with Starbucks as contract negotiations have stalled.

From Washington Times

Mr. Maltz said Mr. Biden’s push for increased scrutiny at ports of entry would be helpful but ultimately the U.S. will need to get tough with Mexican cartels at the source.

From Washington Times

Related Words

• argue
• bicker
• break with
• carp
• complain
• differ
• fall out
• feud
• spar
• squabble
• tangle
• wrangle