'To put one one's mettle' definitions:
Definition of 'To put one one's mettle'
From: GCIDE
- Mettle \Met"tle\, n. [E. metal, used in a tropical sense in allusion to the temper of the metal of a sword blade. See Metal.] Substance or quality of temperament; spirit, esp. as regards honor, courage, fortitude, ardor, etc.; disposition; -- usually in a good sense; as, to test a person's mettle. [1913 Webster]
- A certain critical hour which shall . . . try what mettle his heart is made of. --South. [1913 Webster]
- Gentlemen of brave mettle. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
- The winged courser, like a generous horse, Shows most true mettle when you check his course. --Pope. [1913 Webster]
- To put one one's mettle, to cause or incite one to use one's best efforts. [1913 Webster]