Idiom

The acid test

What does "The acid test" mean?

1. A scientific test to distinguish between gold and base metals. 2. A conclusive test to determine the validity of a claim.

USA, mid-19th century.

Meaning 1. A scientific test to distinguish between gold and base metals. 2. A conclusive test to determine the validity of a claim.

Example

1. We found a mineral that looked valuable but it might be fools gold - we need to give it the acid test. 2. The acid test of the quality of a singer is to ask them to sing unaccompanied.

Pronunciation