Select the most appropriate meaning of the underlined idiom.
Shah called Saeed a hard nut to crack, and described him as cool, but intelligent.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
The correct answer is Option 2, i.e., Someone who is difficult to deal with.
Idiom Concept: A hard nut to crack is an idiom used to describe a person or problem that is difficult to understand or deal with.
Grammatical Explanation/Meaning: The phrase implies that like a tough nut, it is challenging to “break through” or figure the person out.
Correction: The idiom explains Saeed as someone difficult to deal with or understand despite being cool and intelligent.
Final Sentence: Shah called Saeed someone who is difficult to deal with, describing him as cool but intelligent.
Conclusion: The most appropriate meaning of "a hard nut to crack" is "Someone who is difficult to deal with."