put to the test
To test (something or someone); to evaluate, scrutinize or explore by testing or experimentation.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“This new car will be put to the test on the highway.”
“After months of training, the athletes were finally put to the test during the regional championship games.”
“The sudden economic crisis put the government's new financial policies to the test, revealing significant flaws in their long-term strategy.”
- 01
lipstick on a pig
To make superficial or cosmetic changes to something in a doomed attempt to disguise its fundamental flaws.
- 02
nose test
An informal method for determining whether something is authentic, credible, or ethical, by using one's common sense or sense of propriety.
- 03
not to put too fine a point on it
Used to apologize for a possibly impolite statement one is making; to put it bluntly; to express it in plain terms.
- 04
put a band-aid on a bullet wound
To inadequately treat a serious situation.
- 05
put a blanket over
Make (something) seem less serious.
- 06
put a bug in someone's ear
To make a small suggestion or give a hint that causes the listener to act.
- 07
put a damper on
To stop people from enjoying an activity.
- 08
put a foot wrong
To make a mistake.
Last updated August 10, 2026