hard-liner
UK: ˌhɑːd ˈlaɪnə | US: ˌhɑːrd ˈlaɪnər
n. a person who adheres rigidly to a policy, ideology, or principle, especially in politics.
The term "hard-liner" emerged in the mid-20th century, combining "hard" (from Old English "heard," meaning rigid or severe) and "line" (from Latin "linea," implying a boundary or stance). The suffix "-er" denotes a person who embodies the trait. Originally political, it describes someone who refuses to compromise, metaphorically "holding a firm line." The imagery reflects inflexibility, as if drawing an unbreakable boundary.
The hard-liner refused to negotiate with the opposition.
As a hard-liner on tax reform, she rejected all compromises.
The party’s hard-liners opposed any changes to the policy.
His reputation as a hard-liner made diplomacy difficult.
Hard-liners in the union demanded stricter labor laws.