put (someone or something) to the test
phrase
: to cause (someone or something) to be in a situation that shows how strong, good, etc., that person or thing really is
Tomorrow's game will really put the team to the test.
We decided to put the theory to the test with a little experiment.
Cite this Entry
“Put (someone or something) to the test.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/put%20%28someone%20or%20something%29%20to%20the%20test. Accessed 7 Mar. 2026.
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