made of strong stuff

USAGE SUMMARY

"made of strong stuff" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an object that is composed of a material that is particularly durable or tough. For example: "This backpack is made of strong stuff, so it should be able to hold up to a lot of wear and tear."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Olympians are made of strong stuff.

The Guardian - Sport

The other 17% are clearly made of strong stuff.

The Guardian

The kidney seems to be made of strong stuff, just like Rachel.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But Muguruza is made of strong stuff and she held serve to love, clinching the title when Williams allowed a lob to drop just inside the baseline.

The Guardian - Sport

But Evans, who describes herself as "a wannabe Buddhist" and "a bit of a law geek", is made of strong stuff.

The Guardian

In the years to follow we would discover that Adams was made of strong stuff, however, and he did not let this error get to him, the Express reporting that Adams had made a commendable debut.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

"Jeremy Corbyn is made of stronger stuff.

The Guardian

The Hamricks are made of stronger stuff than me.

The New Yorker

She doesn't need a bouquet, she is made of stronger stuff.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But that's why I'm not in Pussy Riot: they are made of stronger stuff.

The Guardian - Opinion

I just thought I was made of stronger stuff than that little girl".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "made of strong stuff" to describe someone or something that is resilient, durable, or able to withstand pressure. For example, "Despite the challenges, she's made of strong stuff and always perseveres."

Common error

Avoid using "made of strong stuff" in formal or academic writing. It is generally considered an informal expression. Opt for more professional alternatives such as "resilient", "durable", or "fortitude" depending on the specific context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "made of strong stuff" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase. It modifies a noun or pronoun to describe the inherent qualities of resilience, durability, or toughness. Ludwig AI confirms this is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "made of strong stuff" is an informal, yet widely understood expression used to describe something or someone that is resilient, durable, or inherently tough. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It primarily functions as an adjectival phrase, and as Ludwig examples suggest, is commonly used in news and media to convey admiration for someone's ability to overcome challenges. While grammatically sound, it's best to avoid it in formal writing, opting instead for synonyms like "resilient" or "durable" to maintain a professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

made of tough material

Similar to the original phrase, but uses "tough" instead of "strong".

made of stern material

Emphasizes the unyielding and firm nature of the material or character.

composed of sturdy material

Focuses on the robust and solid nature of the construction.

built to last

Highlights the durability and longevity of something.

resilient in nature

Stresses the ability to recover quickly from difficulties.

tough as nails

Implies an extreme level of toughness and resilience.

robustly constructed

Emphasizes the solid and sturdy construction of an object.

exceedingly durable

Highlights the long-lasting quality of something.

possessing great fortitude

Focuses on the mental and emotional strength of an individual.

unbreakable in spirit

Emphasizes the unwavering and resilient nature of one's spirit.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone is "made of strong stuff"?

Saying someone is "made of strong stuff" means they are resilient, tough, and able to withstand difficulties or challenges. It suggests they possess inner strength and perseverance.

Is "made of strong stuff" an informal or formal expression?

It is generally considered an informal expression. In formal contexts, it's better to use alternatives like "resilient", "durable", or "possessing fortitude".

What are some synonyms for "made of strong stuff"?

Synonyms include "tough as nails", "built to last", "resilient in nature", and "composed of sturdy material".

How can I use "made of strong stuff" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a person's character (e.g., "She's made of strong stuff and never gives up"), or the quality of a material (e.g., "This equipment is made of strong stuff to withstand harsh conditions").