楼上的学友用的是名词词组,我来个动宾词组,lead a tough life.楼主可以视具体的语境区别应用.
举个例子说明一下：
The life in difficult circumstances helps him bulid up a strong mind.
艰苦的生活环境磨练了他的坚强意志.
That he is leading a tough life (或Leading a tough life) doesn't frustrate him.
在艰苦的环境中生活并没有让他感到沮丧.