Phrase guide

do it tough

verb · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • Australia: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
  • Australia: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To be in a desperate situation; to struggle.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: Australia, idiomatic, informal, intransitive

Examples

  • Families doing it tough will receive more assistance from the government.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

6 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Chinese Mandarin: 不可終日 /不可终日 (bùkězhōngrì) — be in a desperate situation
  • Chinese Mandarin: 掙扎 (zhēngzhá) — be in a desperate situation
  • French: être dans la dèche — be in a desperate situation
  • French: être dans la mouise — be in a desperate situation
  • French: être dans le pétrin — be in a desperate situation
  • Portuguese: passar por dificuldades — be in a desperate situation