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.
(redirected from prove your mettle)
prove (one's) mettle
To prove that one has endurance and strength of character, or the necessary skills, abilities, or traits to succeed in something. You may be the youngest lawyer in the firm, but you certainly proved your mettle in that high-profile murder case.The new CEO proved her mettle by completely restructuring the dying mobile phone division into the powerhouse it is today.