trial by fire
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A test of one's abilities to perform well under pressure, as in Finishing this buge list of chores in time for the wedding is really a trial by fire. This expression alludes to the medieval practice of determining a person's guilt by having them undergo an ordeal, such as walking barefoot through a fire.
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Words nearby trial by fire
trial, trial and error, trial balance, trial balloon, trial by battle, trial by fire, trial court, trial examiner, trial horse, trial jury, trial lawyer
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
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