Example: Mi profesor es un hueso duro de roer en los exámenes.
Definition
"Ser un hueso duro de roer" is a Spanish expression used to describe someone or something very difficult to deal with, stubborn, or challenging. For example, a teacher who is very strict and demanding in exams can be called "ser un hueso duro de roer."
Translations
to be tough to deal with
een taaie klant zijn
ser un os dur de rosegar
être coriace
ein harter Brocken sein
Etymology
The phrase "ser un hueso duro de roer" literally means 'to be a hard bone to gnaw.' It comes from the idea that a tough bone is difficult to chew and break down, metaphorically referring to a person or situation that is hard to overcome or persuade. Did you know? This vivid imagery has made the expression popular in Spanish-speaking cultures to describe stubbornness or difficulty.
Learn to use this expression actively
"Ser un hueso duro de roer" appears in the Vocaplus list "Spanish - General - Modismos y refranes - (C2) - parte 1", containing 105 commonly used expressions.
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to be tough to deal with