tough nut

That’s a very tough nut to crack.

While Chinese firms have expanded into East Asia and South America, for years the European market proved a tough nut to crack – that is, until governments here decided to phase out the sale of new petrol and diesel models.

Combining consistent speed with the mental solidity and racing decisiveness he has always shown makes Piastri a formidable rival who, psychologically at least, will be a tough nut to crack.

"He was a tough nut, Gene Hackman. But he was really good."

She adds the Spurs boss is "a tough nut to crack".