Crossword Genius

Backbone of copper or tin, say (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

mettle

'backbone' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

'copper or tin say' is the wordplay.
'copper or tin' becomes 'metal' (I've seen this in another clue).
'say' shows a homophone (sound like).
'metal' is a homophone of 'METTLE'.

'of' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for mettle that I've seen before include "The courage to carry on" , "Quality" , "boldness" , "Fortitude" , "Strength of character, courage" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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