Pronunciation: [ɡɛt tˈʌf] (IPA) 
The phrase "get tough" refers to the act of becoming more aggressive or resolute in a situation. The IPA transcription for "get tough" is /ɡɛt tʌf/ – the "e" in "get" is pronounced as a short "e" sound, and the "t" at the end of "get" and the beginning of "tough" is a flapped "t" sound. The "u" in "tough" is pronounced as a short "uh" sound. Together, these phonetic sounds form the common phrase "get tough."
"Get tough" is a colloquial expression that generally refers to adopting a more firm, disciplinary, or resilient approach when dealing with a particular situation or person. It suggests the need to become more resolute, determined, or assertive in order to confront challenges or overcome obstacles.
The phrase "get tough" is often used to convey the idea of displaying strength or increasing intensity in response to difficulties or adversity. It implies the use of stricter measures, more stringent rules, or a more severe stance to tackle a problem or to achieve a desired outcome. It can be applied to various contexts, such as personal relationships, politics, law enforcement, education, or even individual self-improvement endeavors.
In personal relationships, "getting tough" may involve setting boundaries, expressing oneself firmly, or demanding change. In politics, it can refer to adopting harsher policies, implementing stricter regulations, or taking a more aggressive stance towards opponents. In law enforcement, it might imply cracking down on crime by employing more severe penalties or conducting stricter investigations. In education, "getting tough" could mean adopting stricter academic standards or disciplining students more assertively. Lastly, in regards to self-improvement, it could entail adopting a more disciplined or rigorous approach to achieve personal goals.
Overall, "get tough" signifies a shift towards a stronger, more determined, and potentially more confrontational attitude to address challenges, problems, or goals.
The etymology of the phrase "get tough" can be traced back to Middle English and Old Norse origins.
The word "get" in this context is derived from the Old Norse word "geta" meaning "to obtain, acquire", which entered Middle English as "gett(en)" or "git(ten)" with a similar meaning. Over time, "get" evolved to include the notion of action, effort, or accomplishment.
On the other hand, the word "tough" originally comes from the Middle English "tuh" or "tuȝ", which meant "difficult to break, strong" and could be traced back to the Old English word "tōh" with similar meanings.
The combination of "get" and "tough" gradually formed the phrase "get tough", which emphasizes the notion of acquiring or obtaining strength, resilience, or fortitude in response to challenges or difficulties.
