on one's mettle

Meanings

prepositional phrase

Putting forth one's best efforts.
R.L. is on his mettle, and the attitude of Rainproof is that of an expectant child with its mouth open and its eyes closed.
1927, Ernest Bramah [pseudonym; Ernest Brammah Smith], Max Carrados Mysteries

Cite this entry

APA

on one's mettle. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 5, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/on%20one's%20mettle

MLA

“on one's mettle.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/on%20one's%20mettle. Accessed November 5, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “on one's mettle,” accessed November 5, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/on%20one's%20mettle.