1. a rigid or reinforced boot, typically made of hard materials, worn for protection or support in industrial, military, or outdoor work
Usage: often used in occupational or safety contexts
2. a person who is strict, inflexible, or takes a hard-line approach
Usage: informal; figurative

Examples

• Construction workers must wear hardboots on the job site for safety.
• The steel-reinforced hardboots protected his feet from falling debris.
• She's a hardboot when it comes to enforcing company policy.
• Military personnel are issued hardboots as part of their standard gear.
• The hardboots were uncomfortable at first but broke in after a few days.
• He's known as a hardboot in negotiations—he never backs down.