In Coughlin's first year, it seemed as if his tough-minded approach to rules and practices might bear fruit.

Mr. Clinton, seeking to project a new, tough-minded Democratic approach to poverty programs, suggests an automatic two-year limit for many welfare recipients.

But if diplomacy is to be the focus, Washington needs to lead the way to a more tough-minded diplomatic approach.

For Mr. Koch, yesterday was most likely the last chance to display a characteristically tough-minded fiscal approach that many believe will be his legacy.

The tough-minded approach: Raise overseas sales prices to include the cost of research (which should lower prices here somewhat).

The only discernible drawback is that such tough-minded approaches might actually require someone in charge to bite a bullet or two.

The Bush team's tough-minded approach to all of these bad actors has gotten their attention.

New Yorkers pride themselves on their tenacity and tough-minded approach to obstacles that others would cringe at.

The court's tough-minded approach may have been controversial, but it was effective.

Over the past three decades her art has reflected an adventurously tough-minded approach to process and a vehement avoidance of anything conventionally ingratiating.