Tough case Meaning in English
expression
ˈtəf/ /ˈkeɪs
TUHF KAYS
tˈʌf/ /kˈeɪs
TUHF KAYS
Definition
A situation or problem that is hard to solve, or a person who is difficult to deal with. Often used for challenging problems or difficult legal or medical situations.
Usage & Nuances
Idiomatic and informal; common in legal, medical, and everyday problem-solving contexts. Can refer to a difficult problem or a person who is hard to help. Not used in strictly formal writing.
Spanish: caso difícilPortuguese (BR): caso difícilPortuguese (PT): caso difícilChinese (Simplified): 棘手的案例Chinese (Traditional): 棘手的案例Hindi: कठिन केसArabic: قضية صعبةBengali: মুশকিল কেস - কঠিন সমস্যাRussian: тяжёлый случайJapanese: 難しいケース - 手ごわい人Vietnamese: trường hợp khó - ca khóKorean: 어려운 경우 - 힘든 사람Turkish: zor durum - zorlu vakaUrdu: مشکل کیس - مشکل مسئلہIndonesian: kasus sulit - orang sulit
Example Sentences
This is a tough case for the doctor.
basic
The detective is working on a tough case.
basic
He is a tough case; nothing helps.
basic
This murder is a tough case; the police have no leads.
natural
Getting him to talk was a tough case, but we finally succeeded.
natural
He's always been a tough case—never follows advice.
natural