31 Idioms for Strong

Strength can be physical, emotional, or mental. It can refer to a person’s power, resilience, or even the strength of a situation, argument, or relationship. Idioms for strong offer colorful, vivid ways to express power, determination, and fortitude in both people and things. These idioms help communicate different facets of strength, from the literal power of a heavy-duty machine to the metaphorical fortitude of someone enduring challenges.

In this article, you’ll discover 31 idioms for strong, each illustrating a different aspect of strength, whether it’s a person, situation, or quality. These idioms will help you express strength more creatively and with impact.

1. As Strong as an Ox

Meaning: Very strong, physically or mentally, similar to the power of an ox.
In a Sentence:

He is as strong as an ox, able to lift heavy loads without breaking a sweat.
She is as strong as an ox, enduring long hours of work without complaint.
Other Ways to Say: Powerful, durable, muscular

2. Built Like a Brick Wall

Meaning: Having a strong and muscular physique, often used to describe someone who is physically imposing.
In a Sentence:

The security guard was built like a brick wall, intimidating anyone who approached.
He is built like a brick wall, with muscles that seem to never end.
Other Ways to Say: Muscular, solid, robust

3. Tough as Nails

Meaning: Very resilient and able to endure hardship or adversity.
In a Sentence:

After the accident, she was as tough as nails, recovering faster than anyone expected.
He’s tough as nails, able to handle any pressure without cracking.
Other Ways to Say: Resilient, unbreakable, enduring

4. A Force to Be Reckoned With

Meaning: Someone or something that is extremely powerful and cannot be ignored or underestimated.
In a Sentence:

With her incredible intelligence and skills, she’s a force to be reckoned with in the business world.
The storm was a force to be reckoned with, destroying everything in its path.
Other Ways to Say: Powerful, formidable, unstoppable

5. As Hard as Steel

Meaning: Very tough, resilient, and difficult to break.
In a Sentence:

His determination was as hard as steel, and nothing could sway him from his goal.
The bridge was built as hard as steel, designed to withstand even the strongest winds.
Other Ways to Say: Tough, unyielding, indestructible

6. A Rock in a Storm

Meaning: Someone or something that remains stable, reliable, and strong during challenging or turbulent times.
In a Sentence:

Throughout the crisis, she was a rock in a storm, providing support and calm to everyone around her.
His resolve was a rock in a storm, never wavering even when things got tough.
Other Ways to Say: Steady, dependable, unshakable

7. Like a Tank

Meaning: Very strong, tough, or resilient, often used to describe someone with a powerful physical presence or the ability to endure hardship.
In a Sentence:

He’s built like a tank, able to withstand hours of hard labor without tiring.
The car crashed into the wall and came out like a tank, barely dented.
Other Ways to Say: Robust, durable, indestructible

8. As Solid as a Rock

Meaning: Very strong, reliable, or stable, often used to describe something or someone that is dependable and unshakable.
In a Sentence:

Their friendship is as solid as a rock, always there for each other no matter what.
The foundation of the building was as solid as a rock, ensuring it would stand for centuries.
Other Ways to Say: Unwavering, firm, dependable

9. Iron Will

Meaning: Unyielding determination, strength of character, and the ability to persist in the face of challenges.
In a Sentence:

She made it through the toughest times with an iron will, never giving up on her goals.
His iron will helped him overcome the obstacles that would have stopped most people.
Other Ways to Say: Strong determination, resolute, unbreakable spirit

10. Strength in Numbers

Meaning: The idea that a group of people is stronger and more powerful than an individual, often used to describe the power of unity.
In a Sentence:

The team showed strength in numbers, overcoming obstacles by working together.
When everyone contributes, there’s strength in numbers that leads to success.
Other Ways to Say: Unity is strength, power in community, collective power

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11. As Tough as Leather

Meaning: Very tough and resilient, able to endure harsh conditions or challenges.
In a Sentence:

He’s as tough as leather, able to handle any physical challenge with ease.
The leather boots were as tough as leather, surviving years of hard use without damage.
Other Ways to Say: Durable, resilient, hard-wearing

12. Like a Gorilla

Meaning: Very strong, with a powerful physical presence, often used to describe someone who is muscular or imposing.
In a Sentence:

He’s built like a gorilla, his muscles bulging with every move.
The bouncer was like a gorilla, intimidating anyone who tried to enter without permission.
Other Ways to Say: Muscular, strong, powerful

13. A Steel Backbone

Meaning: Strong and unwavering in character, showing great resilience and determination.
In a Sentence:

She faced every challenge with a steel backbone, never backing down from adversity.
His steel backbone helped him get through the difficult times without giving up.
Other Ways to Say: Strong character, resilient, unyielding determination

14. Built Like a Tank

Meaning: Having a strong, tough, and sturdy physical build, capable of withstanding significant pressure or hardship.
In a Sentence:

He was built like a tank, able to endure the most strenuous workouts with ease.
The vehicle was built like a tank, designed to resist impacts and rough conditions.
Other Ways to Say: Sturdy, robust, indestructible

15. A Titan of Industry

Meaning: A person who is extremely powerful, influential, or successful in their field or industry.
In a Sentence:

She’s become a titan of industry, known for her innovative ideas and leadership.

The company’s founder is a titan of industry, shaping the market with every decision.
Other Ways to Say: Industry leader, powerhouse, influential figure

16. A Hercules of a Man

Meaning: A person with great physical strength or endurance, often used to describe someone who is extraordinarily muscular or powerful.
In a Sentence:

He’s a Hercules of a man, able to lift weights that most others can’t even budge.
The bodybuilder was a true Hercules of a man, dominating every competition he entered.
Other Ways to Say: Strong, muscular, powerful

17. Like an Iron Fist

Meaning: Having a forceful, commanding, and unyielding manner, often used to describe leadership or authority that is firm and resolute.
In a Sentence:

She ruled the company with an iron fist, making quick, decisive decisions that left little room for error.
The coach led with an iron fist, pushing the team to perform at their peak.
Other Ways to Say: Authoritative, strict, powerful

18. Like a Bulldozer

Meaning: Someone who is relentlessly strong, determined, and capable of pushing through obstacles or challenges.
In a Sentence:

He charged into the negotiations like a bulldozer, forcing his way through every hurdle.
She worked like a bulldozer, tirelessly moving forward despite every setback.
Other Ways to Say: Relentless, unstoppable, determined

19. A Powerhouse

Meaning: A person or thing with great energy, strength, or influence, especially in a particular area or industry.
In a Sentence:

She’s a powerhouse in the tech world, leading innovative projects that change the way we live.
The team was a powerhouse, unstoppable and fierce in their drive for success.
Other Ways to Say: Strong force, influential, high-energy

20. Like a Tank on Tracks

Meaning: Something or someone that is unstoppable, heavy-duty, and able to overcome obstacles effortlessly.
In a Sentence:

The new machine worked like a tank on tracks, plowing through the toughest terrain with ease.
He powered through the workout like a tank on tracks, no sign of fatigue in sight.
Other Ways to Say: Unstoppable, relentless, strong

21. As Strong as a Bull

Meaning: Very strong and capable, often used to describe someone with great physical strength or endurance.
In a Sentence:

He’s as strong as a bull, able to carry heavy loads without breaking a sweat.
The horse was as strong as a bull, charging through the field without tiring.
Other Ways to Say: Muscular, powerful, robust

22. A Tower of Strength

Meaning: A person who provides great support, stability, or resilience to others during difficult times.
In a Sentence:

She was a tower of strength for her family, always remaining calm and collected during the crisis.
He became a tower of strength for his team, offering guidance and support when they needed it most.
Other Ways to Say: Supportive, reliable, steadfast

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23. A Rock-Solid Foundation

Meaning: Something or someone that provides great stability and strength, particularly in difficult or unstable situations.
In a Sentence:

His loyalty is a rock-solid foundation for their relationship, unshaken by any challenges.
The business thrived because it was built on a rock-solid foundation of trust and integrity.
Other Ways to Say: Unshakable, stable, reliable

24. Like a Lion’s Roar

Meaning: Strong, powerful, and commanding, often used to describe someone or something that has a dominant presence.
In a Sentence:

His voice was like a lion’s roar, commanding attention and respect in the room.
The speech was delivered like a lion’s roar, full of power and authority.
Other Ways to Say: Commanding, powerful, authoritative

25. As Hard as Nails

Meaning: Very tough, resilient, and unyielding, often used to describe a person who is emotionally or physically strong.
In a Sentence:

She’s as hard as nails, never showing weakness even in the toughest situations.
The soldier was as hard as nails, enduring grueling conditions without complaint.
Other Ways to Say: Tough, resilient, unbreakable

26. Like a Lion in Battle

Meaning: Extremely courageous and powerful, often used to describe someone who faces challenges with great bravery and strength.
In a Sentence:

He fought like a lion in battle, never backing down from the enemy.
She tackled the presentation like a lion in battle, confident and unshaken.
Other Ways to Say: Brave, courageous, fearless

27. A Muscle of Steel

Meaning: Extremely strong, physically or metaphorically, often used to describe someone with extraordinary strength or willpower.
In a Sentence:

His resolve was a muscle of steel, unwavering in the face of adversity.
She’s got a muscle of steel, lifting weights others can’t even think of attempting.
Other Ways to Say: Unyielding, resilient, powerful

28. A Titan of Strength

Meaning: A person who is incredibly strong, influential, or powerful, often used to describe someone who leads or excels in a field.
In a Sentence:

The boxer became a titan of strength, dominating every match he entered.
He’s a titan of strength in the tech world, leading groundbreaking innovations.
Other Ways to Say: Powerful, influential, dominating

29. Like an Oak Tree

Meaning: Strong and unshakable, often used to describe someone who is reliable, resilient, and deeply rooted in their beliefs or character.
In a Sentence:

She stood like an oak tree, unwavering and strong during the tough negotiations.
His character was like an oak tree, solid and dependable through every challenge.
Other Ways to Say: Stable, resilient, grounded

30. An Iron Fortress

Meaning: A person or thing that is incredibly strong, resilient, and protected from harm or weakness.
In a Sentence:

His determination was like an iron fortress, impervious to the pressures around him.
The company’s infrastructure was an iron fortress, capable of withstanding even the toughest challenges.
Other Ways to Say: Invulnerable, strong, unbreakable

31. As Mighty as a Volcano

Meaning: Very powerful and forceful, often used to describe something or someone that has overwhelming strength or presence.
In a Sentence:

Her voice was as mighty as a volcano, commanding attention from everyone in the room.
The storm rolled in as mighty as a volcano, sweeping everything in its path.
Other Ways to Say: Powerful, forceful, overwhelming

Practice Exercise

After the storm, the community came together with ____________, rebuilding everything in its path.
He was ____________, pushing through the toughest challenges without ever slowing down.
She became ____________ for her friends, always there to offer support when needed.
His determination was ____________, nothing could stop him from reaching his goal.
The soldiers charged forward, ____________, never backing down from the enemy.
Their company was a ____________, known for leading the industry with innovative ideas.
She stood there, ____________, unwavering in the face of criticism.
His strength is ____________, allowing him to carry heavy loads without even flinching.
The leader was ____________, commanding the group with strength and authority.
With her ____________, she was able to guide the team through the toughest times.
She tackled the challenge ____________, with full confidence and no hesitation.
The workers operated ____________, tirelessly moving toward their collective goal.
After everything fell apart, he was ____________, holding the team together with his resilience.
The athlete was ____________, breaking records with ease and leaving everyone in awe.
He had ____________, pushing through every setback without ever losing momentum.
Their foundation was ____________, supporting every decision and move they made.
The coach had ____________, pushing the team to work harder and exceed their limits.
His resolve was ____________, unshakable in the face of adversity.
The soldier’s attitude was ____________, fighting fearlessly even when outnumbered.
The business was ____________, with no competitor able to match its strength.
She was ____________, always tackling difficult tasks head-on and without fear.
He handled the negotiations ____________, never allowing others to get the upper hand.
The runner was ____________, charging ahead without losing speed.
She stood ____________, strong and steady as the storm raged around her.
His loyalty was ____________, remaining constant no matter the challenges they faced.
The leader led with ____________, never allowing his team to deviate from the goal.
His strength was ____________, with no amount of pressure able to break him.
She was a ____________, lifting everyone up with her unshakable positivity.
The army marched forward ____________, unstoppable and relentless in their mission.
The athlete was ____________, able to outlast everyone else in the competition.
Her character was ____________, nothing could sway her from her principles.

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Answer Key

m) A Tower of Strength
b) Like a Tank
c) A Rock in a Storm
u) Iron Will
o) Like a Lion in Battle
h) A Powerhouse
n) As Solid as a Rock
i) As Tough as Leather
r) A King/Queen on the Throne
t) A Rock-Solid Foundation
p) A Muscle of Steel
l) Like a Bulldozer
m) A Tower of Strength
j) A Hercules of a Man
p) A Muscle of Steel
t) A Rock-Solid Foundation
k) A Steel Backbone
n) As Solid as a Rock
v) Like a Gorilla
g) Built Like a Brick Wall
o) Like a Lion in Battle
f) Like an Iron Fist
s) A Tank on Tracks
n) As Solid as a Rock
p) A Muscle of Steel
f) Like an Iron Fist
b) Like a Tank
m) A Tower of Strength
s) A Tank on Tracks
j) A Hercules of a Man
t) A Rock-Solid Foundation

Conclusion

Strength is not just physical; it is mental, emotional, and sometimes even situational. The 31 idioms for strong showcase different aspects of strength, from physical power to unwavering resilience and leadership. These idioms provide us with vivid, creative ways to describe someone or something that demonstrates strength in various forms—whether it’s the unbreakable will of a tank or the steady resilience of a rock in a storm.

Using these idioms in conversation or writing can add depth and flair to your descriptions, making your communication more engaging. Whether you’re describing someone who is physically tough, emotionally unyielding, or mentally resilient, these idioms will help you articulate the strength that is at the core of those individuals or situations. Incorporating idioms for overcoming challenges can also inspire and motivate your audience, painting a vivid picture of perseverance and determination. By selecting the right expressions, you can convey not just strength but also hope and resilience in the face of adversity. Ultimately, idioms enrich communication, transforming simple observations into powerful narratives that resonate deeply. Moreover, exploring phrases like ‘30 idioms for hard work‘ can highlight the value of effort and dedication in achieving goals. These expressions not only celebrate the labor involved but also remind us that every accomplishment is built upon a foundation of hard work and perseverance. By weaving these idioms into your language, you can further amplify the message of commitment and the transformative power of determined effort.

By understanding and utilizing these idioms, we can celebrate and reflect on the various ways strength shows up in our lives, and inspire others to demonstrate their own strength when faced with challenges. In addition to recognizing our own resilience, we can also uplift those around us by sharing idioms that express support. These expressions can serve as powerful reminders of solidarity and encouragement, reinforcing the idea that we are not alone in our struggles. Through the use of these phrases, we can create a network of strength, fostering a community where individuals feel empowered to confront their obstacles with confidence.