Pronunciation: - ' bo ̇ i(- ə )ld
Function: adjective
Date: 1886
1 a : devoid of sentimentality : TOUGH <a hard-boiled drill sergeant> b : of, relating to, or being a detective story featuring a tough unsentimental protagonist and a matter-of-fact attitude towards violence
2 : HARDHEADED , PRACTICAL < hard-boiled business decisions>