an acid test

Meaning: An acid test is something that shows the true worth or value of something or someone.

For example:

Our new player has been doing well at training and in practice matches, but the acid test will come in her first real match.
The new political party is doing better and better in the polls, but the acid test will be the next election.

Origin: Possibly related to the fact that a test involving acid has been used for over a century to prove that a metal that looks like gold is, or is not, really gold.

Quick Quiz:

The real acid test for the new drug will come when it's

tested in a computer simulation
tested on mice with acid reflux
tested on human beings

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