baptism of fire

noun

1. spiritual sanctification as a gift of the Holy Ghost.

2. the first time a soldier faces battle.

3. any severe ordeal that tests one's endurance.

baptism of fire

noun

1. a soldier's first experience of battle

2. any initiating ordeal or experience

3. Christianity the penetration of the Holy Ghost into the human spirit to purify, consecrate, and strengthen it, as was believed to have occurred initially at Pentecost

Word History and Origins

Origin of baptism of fire¹

First recorded in 1815–25

Idioms and Phrases

A severe ordeal or test, especially an initial one, as in This audition would be Robert's baptism of fire. This term transfers the original religious rite of baptism, whereby holiness is imparted, to various kinds of ordeal. At first it signified the death of martyrs at the stake, and in 19th-century France it was used for a soldier's first experience of combat. Currently it is used more loosely for any difficult first encounter.

Example Sentences

Overall, Newcastle are not best placed for their return to Champions League football but no team will want to face the baptism of fire that can consume away sides on a big European night at St James'.

Read more on BBC

Schmidt backed Lynagh to thrive in the high-stakes atmosphere of Saturday's showdown, while admitting it will be a baptism of fire for the rookie.

Read more on BBC

"We kicked ourselves out, dusted ourselves off and went back to the top and off we went again. It was an absolute baptism of fire."

Read more on BBC

The fourth and fifth seasons will adapt Sapkowski’s remaining books that the series hasn’t touched on yet, including “Baptism of Fire,” “The Tower of the Swallow” and “Lady of the Lake.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Following the shock sacking of Brighton manager Melissa Phillips earlier this month, interim boss Mikey Harris has endured a baptism of fire at the Seagulls helm.

Read more on BBC