put to the test


put (someone or something) to the test

To test or evaluate the limits of what someone or something is capable of doing or achieving. Our new mobile game will put your reflexes to the test. I've had a pretty good tournament so far, but my next opponent should put me to the test.See also: put, test

put someone or something to the test

Fig. to see what someone or something can achieve. I think I can jump that far, but no one has ever put me to the test. I'm going to put my car to the test right now, and see how fast it will go.See also: put, test

put to the test

Try or check out something or someone, as in This tall grass will put our new lawnmower to the test, or Let's put Harry to the test and see if he knows the last 20 World Series winners. [Mid-1600s] See also: put, test

put somebody/something to the ˈtest

test somebody/something; find out whether somebody/something is good, bad, true, real, etc: The second part of the contest will put your general knowledge to the test.See also: put, somebody, something, test