What is trial by fire meaning?

Trial by fire is a term used to describe a situation where a person is put to a test that is both challenging and difficult. The phrase is often used metaphorically to describe a situation where an individual is forced to face their deepest fears or confront difficult challenges as a way of proving or testing their ability to handle difficult situations. Many times, the situation is one of high risk, uncertainty, or danger, and the outcome is uncertain. The term comes from the practice in medieval times in which a person accused of a crime was subjected to a physical test, such as holding a red-hot iron, as a way of determining guilt or innocence. In modern usage, the phrase can refer to any situation that tests a person's resolve, courage, or ability to endure.