trial by fire
The term "trial by fire" originally referred to medieval tests of innocence or guilt using flames but is now commonly used metaphorically.
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Definition
B2General
(idiomatic)A challenging experience that tests a person's abilities, endurance, or character.
Example
- Her first week at the new job was a real trial by fire, but she managed to impress everyone with her performance.
C1Historical
(archaic, formal)A medieval test where a person was exposed to flames to determine their innocence or guilt.
Example
- In medieval times, an accused person might undergo a trial by fire to prove their innocence.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "trial by fire":
baptism of firetake fireunder firewalking fireopen fireline of fireon firecold fireset on firetrials and tribulationsfalse firefire and brimstonecatch firereturn firebin firestatic fireback fireblaze of gloryfiring line