What is an acid test?

An acid test is a rigorous and conclusive test that determines the true nature or value of something. The term originated from the practice of using acid to test for the purity of gold or other precious metals. An acid is applied to the metal, and the resulting chemical reaction indicates whether the metal is genuine or not. In a broader sense, an acid test refers to any method that provides an accurate and definitive assessment of a situation or a person's character.