"Gotten tough with" is a phrase used to describe a behavior or action that denotes an increase in strictness, severity, or aggressiveness towards someone or a situation. It often indicates a shift in attitude, approach, or behavior towards achieving a desired outcome.
The phrase typically implies the adoption of a more stringent stance, usually to exert control, discipline, or assert authority. It can refer to various scenarios, such as an individual dealing with personal or professional challenges, a leader addressing a problem or conflict, a government implementing stronger measures to combat a social issue, or even a parent setting stricter rules for their child.
In these situations, "gotten tough with" implies a departure from leniency, passivity, or ineffective approaches, and instead, adopting rigorous, assertive, or forceful methods to handle the given situation. This may involve imposing stricter rules, punishments, enforcing stronger measures, or taking a more aggressive stance.
The phrase suggests an intention to establish control, to create a deterrence effect, or to address a problem head-on. It can connote a shift towards a less forgiving or empathetic approach, emphasizing a firmness or resolute determination to achieve a desired outcome.
Overall, "gotten tough with" describes the act of adopting a more severe or more authoritative approach in response to a particular situation, aiming to bring about change, resolve conflicts, or maintain discipline.
