As tough as old boots and Hard-nosed

Hard-nosed and as tough as old boots are semantically related. In some cases you can use "Hard-nosed" instead an adjective phrase "As tough as old boots".

Hard-nosed adjective - Sticking to an opinion, purpose, or course of action in spite of reason, arguments, or persuasion.

As tough as old boots and hard-nosed are semantically related. You can use "As tough as old boots" instead an adjective phrase "Hard-nosed".