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.

Pay attention to the middle letter: the dd in meddle suggests interruption, like sticking your nose into someone else's business.
Remember that mettle and metal are homophones, where mettle refers to a persons character, similar to how metal' is used to describe strength.
Think meddle rhymes with peddle, and you don't want someone peddling their issues into your life.
Associate mettle with middle; its the middle' or core strength someone shows during challenges.
Link meddle with meddling kids from Scooby Doo; imagine interfering detectives.