baptism of fire

Noun

baptism of fire (plural baptisms of fire)

1. The gift of the Holy Spirit.
2. Tribulation endured as spiritual discipline.
   • And the Father's counselor suggested that he invite you along to help: sort of a re–baptism of fire, so to speak.2013, “Mammy?”, in Mrs. Brown's Boys, season 3, episode 5, spoken by Father Damien (Conor Moloney)
3. Martyrdom by immolation.
4. (figuratively) The first experience of a severe ordeal, especially a first experience of military combat
   • Having to deal with a bomb scare on his first day was a real baptism of fire for John.
   • She sat down for four exclusive interviews over the course of several weeks to reflect on her first 100 days in the job. It has been a baptism of fire by many accounts, including hers.2023 September 30, Hannah Murphy, “The wildest job in Silicon Valley”, in FT Weekend (Life & Arts section), London: The Financial Times Ltd., →ISSN, →OCLC, page 17