Definition & Meaning of "hard cheese"in English

What is the origin of the idiom "hard cheese" and when to use it?

The idiomatic expression "hard cheese" is used to convey sympathy or understanding in response to someone's misfortune or disappointment. It originated in British English and was quite popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. While its precise origin is not well-documented, it likely developed as a humorous way of expressing empathy or acknowledging someone's tough luck.