Meddle-Mettle | Commonly Confused Words

Meddle

/ˈmedl/

To interfere in something that is not one's concern.

He always tries to meddle in others' affairs.Don't meddle with the controls on the machine.She tends to meddle where she's not welcome.

/ˈmetl/

The ability to face difficulties or challenges with spirit and resilience

She showed her mettle during the intense debate.This team has the mettle to overcome any obstacle.Facing adversity, he discovered his true mettle.

Meddle has to do with interfering, often unwantedly, so imagine someone meddling in someone else's business.
Think of mettle as metal to signify strength and resilience, similar to testing one's mettle under duress.
The dd in meddle can be thought of as double trouble since it often involves causing issues in someone else's affairs.
Mettle is often about inner strength; picture the mountains of mettle when thinking of overcoming challenges.
Remember, meddling involves disruption while mettle showcases determination.