acid test
noun /ˌæsɪd ˈtest/
/ˌæsɪd ˈtest/
(also litmus test)
[singular]- a way of deciding whether something is successful or true
决定性考验；严峻的考验 - The acid test of a good driver is whether he or she remains calm in an emergency.
在紧急情况下能否保持冷静是对好司机的严峻考验。 - The perception of fairness is the acid test for democracy.
对公平的感知是对民主的严峻考验。 - This type of stone is the acid test of a climber’s ability.
这种石头是对登山者能力的严峻考验。
词源figuratively, from the original use which was a test for gold using nitric acid. - The acid test of a good driver is whether he or she remains calm in an emergency.