tough as an old boot

*tough as an old boot & *tough as old (shoe) leather

1. [of meat] very tough. (*Also: as \tough as an old boot.) •

This meat is tough as an old boot.

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Bob couldn't eat the steak. It was as tough as an old boot.

2. [of someone] very strong willed. (*Also: as \tough as an old boot.) •

When Brian was lost in the mountains, his friends did not fear for him; they knew he was tough as leather.

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My English teacher was as tough as an old boot.

3. [of someone] not easily moved by feelings such as pity. (*Also: as \tough as an old boot.) •

She doesn't care. She's as tough as old shoe leather.

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He was born tough as an old boot and has only grown more rigid.