tough out

C1 neutral inseparable transitive

In simple words

get through something hard by staying strong

Literal meaning: to stay tough through something until the end

Meanings

1 C1 idiomatic neutral

uncommon

to endure a difficult period, condition, or experience until it is over

"The small business managed to tough out the recession."

Grammar: inseparable

Usage notes

Less common than 'tough it out'. Often followed by a noun phrase such as 'the season' or 'the last few weeks'.

season days stretch injury crisis months

Base

tough out

I/you/we/they

3rd person

toughs out

he/she/it

Past simple

toughed out

yesterday

Past participle

toughed out

have + pp

-ing form

toughing out

continuous

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