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3. mettle

mettle

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be on (one's) mettle

To be determined to succeed and thus prove one's worth, often in a difficult or unpleasant situation. I know my employees think I'm too young to be their supervisor, so I have to be on my mettle every day at the office.

See also: mettle, on

prove your mettle

(slightly formal) also show your mettle

to show that you are brave and have a strong character As a reporter, she certainly proved her mettle working in the midst of a war zone.

See also: mettle, prove

be on your mettle

  (slightly formal)

to be determined to prove that you are good at something, especially in a difficult situation It's a tough interview - you'll have to be on your mettle.

See also: mettle, on

prove/show your mettle

  (slightly formal)

to prove that you are good at doing something by succeeding in a difficult situation A relative newcomer to the game, he's certainly proved his mettle in the last two games.

See also: mettle, prove

on (one's) mettle

Prepared to accept a challenge and do one's best.

See also: mettle, on