Physical Attributes:
* Hardness: Flint is known for its extreme hardness, so this phrase emphasizes the firmness, solidity, and resistance to being broken or scratched.
* Sharpness: Flint is also very brittle and can be chipped into sharp edges, thus the phrase emphasizes the ability to cut or pierce.
Figurative Meanings:
* Determination: The hardness can be a metaphor for stubbornness, resilience, and unwavering resolve.
* Intelligence: The sharpness can be a metaphor for intellectual acuity, wit, and quick thinking.
* Brutal or Ruthless: The sharpness can also suggest a harsh, unyielding nature.
* Uncompromising: It implies an unwillingness to bend or change, even in the face of adversity.
Context is Key:
The exact meaning of the phrase depends on the context. In a story about a warrior, it might emphasize his physical strength and ability to fight. In a poem about a lover, it might express their unwavering devotion.
Ultimately, "hard and sharp as flint" is a powerful image that evokes a sense of both strength and danger.