Definition
Any ordeal which tests one's strength, endurance or resolve.
In Context
- "But take it all in all, the overland trail was a trial by fire. One gets a notion of its deadliness from the fact that over five thousand people died of cholera alone."
- "Now, residents' legendary 100+-hour workweek may be on its way out. . . . Some doctors insist the long hours are a necessary trial by fire that produces highly skilled, virtually unflappable physicians."
See Also
- baptism by fire
- trial by combat
- trial by ordeal
- crucible