What is tough on the outside soft on the inside?

"Tough on the outside, soft on the inside" is a common phrase used to describe someone or something that appears rough and unapproachable on the surface, but is actually kind, sensitive, and compassionate underneath. This phrase can be applied to people, animals, or even objects with a rough exterior. The idea is that their exterior may be hardened or intimidating, but a closer look or encounter can reveal a softer, more vulnerable side. This phrase often suggests that the person or thing in question has experienced hardship or trauma that has caused them to develop a protective shell as a coping mechanism.