Put somebody/something to the test
phrase
To check and see how good or effective somebody or something really is.
The job interview put him to the test, requiring him to solve problems quickly.
Often appears as...
- put your skills to the test
- put your knowledge to the test
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To challenge or push somebody's abilities or powers to the limit.
Surviving on a deserted island would put anyone's survival skills to the test.
Often appears as...
- put his endurance to the test
- put their friendship to the test
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To check and see how good or effective somebody or something really is.
The job interview put him to the test, requiring him to solve problems quickly.
Often appears as...
- put your skills to the test
- put your knowledge to the test
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To challenge or push somebody's abilities or powers to the limit.
Surviving on a deserted island would put anyone's survival skills to the test.
Often appears as...
- put his endurance to the test
- put their friendship to the test
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Real Conditions
Use it when someone's ability is tested in a real situation, not just theoretically.
Volunteering in a crisis zone put her nursing skills to the test.
Pro Tip 2/3Unexpected Challenges
Often involves facing challenges that were not anticipated to see how one copes.
The sudden blackout put the new security system to the test.
Pro Tip 3/3Capability Revelation
Helps reveal the true capabilities or effectiveness of a person or thing.
The final project will put your research abilities to the test.
Pro Tip 1/3Real Conditions
Use it when someone's ability is tested in a real situation, not just theoretically.
Volunteering in a crisis zone put her nursing skills to the test.
Pro Tip 2/3Unexpected Challenges
Often involves facing challenges that were not anticipated to see how one copes.
The sudden blackout put the new security system to the test.
Pro Tip 3/3Capability Revelation
Helps reveal the true capabilities or effectiveness of a person or thing.
The final project will put your research abilities to the test.
Pro Tip 1/3Real Conditions
Use it when someone's ability is tested in a real situation, not just theoretically.
Volunteering in a crisis zone put her nursing skills to the test.
Pro Tip 2/3Unexpected Challenges
Often involves facing challenges that were not anticipated to see how one copes.
The sudden blackout put the new security system to the test.
Pro Tip 3/3Capability Revelation
Helps reveal the true capabilities or effectiveness of a person or thing.
The final project will put your research abilities to the test.
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