1580s, variant spelling of metal, both forms used interchangeably (by Shakespeare and others) in the literal sense and in the figurative one of "stuff of which a person is made" (1550s) until the spellings and senses diverged early 18c.
双语例句
1. The added competition keeps them on their mettle.
加赛让他们全力以赴。
来自柯林斯例句
2. The next game will be a real test of their mettle.
下一场比赛就要看他们的拼搏精神了。
来自《权威词典》
3. When the seas are in turmoil , heroes are on their mettle.
沧海横流,方显出英雄本色.
来自《现代汉英综合大词典》
4. Each and every one of these soldiers has proved his mettle.
这些战士个个都是好样的.
来自《现代汉英综合大词典》
5. It takes a man of mettle to keep a family safe and comfortable in this troubled world.
