Hard Nut to Crack - Idiom of the Day for IELTS

When using suitable idioms as you speak English in an everyday setting, it will directly enhance the way you convey the message! One of the commonly used idioms is 'Hard Nut to Crack.’ This is especially used by many in both casual and professional discussions, and that is what makes it perfect for the IELTS exam.

In this blog, we will learn the meaning, origin, and usage of the idiom, along with examples of how to use the idiom 'Hard Nut to Crack’ to your advantage when preparing for the IELTS Speaking and Writing!

Hard Nut to Crack - Meaning of the 'Buckle Down' IELTS Idiom

The idiom "hard nut to crack" directly refers to a challenging person or situation. This idiom can be useful in IELTS speaking and writing to describe certain difficulties faced or the need for determination.

Where Did the Idiom 'Hard Nut to Crack' Come From?

This idiom "hard nut to crack" comes from the literal challenge of cracking a tough nut in order to access its kernel. This has been in use since the 1700s and metaphorically shows something or someone difficult to understand, deal with, or trying to solve. The idiom is now widely used in both British and American English.

Synonyms of the 'Hard Nut to Crack' Idiom

• Tough cookie
• Puzzle
• Brain-teaser
• Stubborn

These alternative words can be used depending on whether you are referring to a person, situation, or problem.

Antonyms of the 'Hard Nut to Crack' Idiom

• Piece of cake
• Easy-peasy
• No-brainer
• Simple task

These words describe situations or people that are really easy to understand, solve, or deal with.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Using the 'Hard Nut to Crack' Idiom

• Using it to describe easy situations

Incorrect Usage: "The final exam was a hard nut to crack, I finished it in 10 minutes."
Correct Usage: "The final exam was a hard nut to crack; it took me the complete three hours to finish."

• Mixing it with some unrelated idioms

Avoid combining idioms incorrectly with the ones like “buckle down” unless it is contextually appropriate.

• Using it too literally while speaking or writing

This is an idiom and hence try to avoid interpreting or translating it word-for-word in academic writing or essays. 

A Sample Scenario to Use the Idiom 'Hard Nut to Crack'

During a university group project, I was assigned to work with a classmate who rarely spoke or contributed ideas. Despite my efforts to involve him and encourage communication, he stayed distant and uncooperative throughout the assignment. It was frustrating trying to understand his thoughts or get him to engage. He truly was a hard nut to crack.

Examples to Understand the Usage of the 'Hard Nut to Crack' Idiom in Sentences

1. The new science teacher is a hard nut to crack as she barely smiles and also never reveals much about herself.
2. Convincing my dad to let me study abroad was really a hard nut to crack.
3. This grammar exercise is a real hard nut to crack for most of our students in our class. 
4. She may seem friendly, but she is a hard nut to crack when it comes to debates.
5. Tom sure is a hard nut to crack. I can’t figure him out.
6. This problem is getting me down. It’s a hard nut to crack.
7. The IELTS Writing Task 2 was a hard nut to crack until she practiced it with model answers.
8. The project was a hard nut to crack and hence we had to work on it consistently without distractions for a month!

Practice Exercise

Exercise 1

Instruction: Write a small paragraph for this IELTS Speaking question by using the idiom "Hard Nut to Crack."

Question: Describe a difficult person you worked or studied with.

Exercise 2

Instruction: Write a paragraph that clearly uses the idiom "Hard Nut to Crack."

Question: Some people believe that dealing with difficult situations helps build character, while others think it’s better to avoid stress and conflict whenever possible. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Practice Exercise: Answer Key

Exercise 1

While some individuals may be a hard nut to crack in terms of proper cooperation, learning how to deal with such people can improve emotional intelligence and resilience.

Exercise 2

I would like to speak about a teammate I once worked with during a college project. She was really a hard nut to crack since she was often unresponsive, and difficult to collaborate with. No matter how friendly I tried to be, she just would not open up. Hence, I eventually had to adjust my approach to get things done by her effectively.

The importance of idioms like ‘Hard Nut to Crack’ in the IELTS exam cannot be overstated. Incorporating idioms into your IELTS Writing and Speaking tasks can elevate your score and make your communication more engaging and precise. However, it’s essential to use them judiciously and ensure they fit naturally within the context.

So, as you prepare for the IELTS exam, don’t underestimate the power of idioms in showcasing your language skills and making a lasting impression on the examiners!