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The acid test

The acid test

Meaning

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

Examples

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.

Where did it originate?

USA, mid-19th century.

Where is it used?

Worldwide.

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About the Author

Gary Martin is a writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.

Gary Martin

Writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.
The acid test

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