Idioms and phrases for describing people's personalities

Example- Jan is a hard nut to crack. I can’t figure her out.

Idiom-Hard nut to crack-a person who is difficult to know well.

Example-My mom is one tough cookie. She raised my brothers and I all by herself, and still managed to get her college degree.

Idiom-One tough cookie- tough, strong (in life and/or physical strength)

Example-I must stop trying to be all things to all people. It’s exhausting, and I have nothing left for myself.

Idiom-All things to all people- be everyone’s friend, do everything for others

Example-I hate it when Mike acts like a backseat driver. He’s always telling me how to do my work, and he has no idea what I’m trying to do.

Idiom-Backseat driver- person who tells someone how to do something, when he/she is not in control and shouldn’t talk

Example-Victor is tough as nails, man. His could lift a car, I swear. I wouldn’t mess with him.

Idiom-Tough as nails- super strong and tough

Example -Story of my life- jack of all trades, master of none. I can sort of draw, kind of sing, kind of play the guitar, but I’m not really good at any of these things.

Idiom-Jack of all trades, master of none- kind of good at many things, not really good at anything specific

Peter always hides his light under a bushel, although he is very intelligent and tries to make others feel comfortable and not threatened.

Don't hide your light under a bushel. Do not conceal your talents or abilities.