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put to the test

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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 somebody/something to the test

to find out how good someone or something is Those icy roads certainly put my driving to the test. An explosion in the subway put police and firefighters to the test.

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