hardshoulder
nounUK /ˌhɑːd ˈʃəʊldə/
US /ˌhɑːrd ˈʃoʊldər/
A hard shoulder is the flat strip of ground beside a road where cars can stop in an emergency.
The driver pulled onto the hard shoulder to change the flat tyre.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. The paved edge of a road, used for stopping or as a safety margin.
Keep off the hard shoulder unless there is an emergency.
3. A firm, unyielding part of a person's body at the top of the arm, used figuratively for strength.
He offered a hard shoulder to lean on during tough times.
4. A strict or unsympathetic attitude toward others.
Her hard shoulder made it difficult for colleagues to ask for help.