acid test

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Toney has scored 42 goals for his Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli this season, not necessarily the acid test of international quality, but this pick has not come from left field.

From BBC • May 22, 2026

"This was the real acid test here against a team motivated to win and the holders of the competition," he insisted.

From Barron's • Jan. 28, 2026

Sir Stephen Timms, Social Security and Disability Minister, said the government was "determined to see more disabled people in work" and that overall employment figures would be the "acid test".

From BBC • Jan. 15, 2026

Single stair, and the fate of Culver City’s ordinance specifically, represents an early California acid test.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 23, 2025

In chemistry and physics the acid test of one’s understanding of a system is whether one can successfully predict its future behavior.

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond