We use cookies to enhance your experience on our website. By continuing to use our website, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time. Find out more

Subscriber login

Library card login

Other

Login Athens/Access Management Federation

X Close menu

Dictionary Language resources

mettle

Syllabification: (met·tle)

Pronunciation: /ˈmetl/

Translate mettle | into French | into Italian | into Spanish

Definition of mettle

noun

a person’s ability to cope well with difficulties or to face a demanding situation in a spirited and resilient way:the team showed their true mettle in the second half

Phrases

be on one's mettle: be ready or forced to prove one’s ability to cope well with a demanding situation.
put someone on their mettle: (of a demanding situation) test someone’s ability to face difficulties.