of steel

of steel

Used to describe something exceptionally tough, resilient, or coldly unyielding. My mother had nerves of steel, and she never backed down from danger. He had a look of steel that would intimidate even the toughest negotiators.See also: of, steel

of ˈsteel

having a quality like steel, especially a strong, cold or hard quality: She felt a hand of steel (= a strong, firm hand) on her arm. ♢ There was a hint of steel in his voice (= he sounded cold and firm).See also: of, steel