How to Pronounce "a tough customer"
expression
uh TUHF KUHS-tuh-mur
uh TUHF KUHS-tuh-muh
Definition
A person who is difficult to deal with, often because they are strict, demanding, or uncooperative. This can refer to a customer in a store, or more generally to anyone who is strong-willed or hard to manage.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈtəf/ /ˈkəstəmɝ
British English
æɪ/ /tˈʌf/ /kˈʌstəmɐ
Simplified Pronunciation
US
uh TUHF KUHS-tuh-mur
UK
uh TUHF KUHS-tuh-muh
Listen in Context
He's a tough customer when it comes to negotiations.
My teacher is a tough customer when she grades our exams.
Don't try to trick her—she's a tough customer.
Watch out for Mark in court. He's a tough customer, so don't underestimate him.