be made of sterner/tougher stuff
phrase
: to be an emotionally and morally strong person with more determination than other people
Another woman would have broken down, but she is made of sterner stuff.
Cite this Entry
“Be made of sterner/tougher stuff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/be%20made%20of%20sterner%2Ftougher%20stuff. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
