hard-hitting

[ hahrd-hit-ing ]

/ ˈhɑrdˈhɪt ɪŋ /

striking or capable of striking with force.

strikingly or effectively forceful: a hard-hitting exposé.

Origin of hard-hitting

First recorded in 1830–40

Can music be both milquetoast and hard-hitting at the same time?

Jennifer Lopez’s ‘A.K.A.’ Is Terrible. What Happened to Her Music? |Kevin Fallon |June 17, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
The taste is intense, with hard-hitting wormwood flavor and lemony undertones.

The Absinthe-Minded Porteños of Buenos Aires |Jeff Campagna |March 10, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
Ann Romney did much better, with her hard-hitting theme: Mitt Romney does not fail at what he undertakes.

Ann Romney Scores, Chris Christie Misses |David Frum |August 29, 2012 |DAILY BEAST
The result is a hard-hitting drama that deals with the unknowable impulses of the universe and of the human heart itself.

The Best and Worst TV Shows of the Year |Jace Lacob |December 19, 2010 |DAILY BEAST

And in this environment, hard-hitting, independent, honest brokers are more important than ever before.

Rush and the Wingnuts' Absurd New Obama Theory |John Avlon |November 5, 2010 |DAILY BEAST
Robinsons first man up was the redoubtable Hopkins; he had gained the sobriquet of Hard-hitting Hopkins last season.

Weatherby's Inning |Ralph Henry Barbour
He was the best type of the good-natured, level-headed, hard-hitting Englishman.

Tracks of a Rolling Stone |Henry J. Coke
We manufactured a great number of these in Tartary, and found them hard-hitting and durable.

Shifts and Expedients of Camp Life, Travel & Exploration |W. B. Lord
Ken went out deeper, for he knew most hard-hitting left-handers hit to right field.

The Young Pitcher |Zane Grey
The plain profile of this man reminds one of the hard-hitting, rough-riding Roundhead.

The Broken Sword |Dennison Worthington

hard-hitting

uncompromising; tough a hard-hitting report on urban deprivation