the ability and determination to do something successfully despite difficult conditions 奋斗精神；毅力 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。 She really showed her mettle under pressure. 她在压力下真的展现了她的勇气。
Word Originmid 16th cent.: specialized spelling (used for figurative senses) of metal.
Idioms
on your mettle
prepared to use all your skills, knowledge, etc. because you are being tested 奋发起来；准备尽最大努力 The team will be on their mettle for the big game. 该队将全力以赴参加这场大赛。