The idiom "baptism by fire" means to experience a difficult or challenging situation that tests one's abilities and character. It is often used to describe a situation where someone is thrown into a new and challenging environment without any prior experience or preparation.
The term "baptism" refers to a religious ceremony in which a person is immersed in water as a symbol of purification and rebirth. Similarly, "fire" represents a difficult and challenging situation that can test one's strength and resilience.
For example, a new employee who is given a challenging project on their first day at work might be said to have undergone a "baptism by fire." Similarly, a soldier who is sent into combat without any prior experience might also be said to have undergone a "baptism by fire."
In essence, the idiom "baptism by fire" is used to describe a situation where someone is forced to learn and adapt quickly in a challenging environment. It is a way of acknowledging the difficulty of the situation while also recognizing the potential for growth and development that can come from it.
• Moving to a new country was a baptism by fire, but I eventually got used to it.
• The young CEO had a baptism by fire when she took over the struggling company, but she turned it around with her innovative ideas.
• The soldier's baptism by fire was during his first battle, but he quickly adapted to the chaos of war.
• The journalist's baptism by fire was reporting on a war-torn country where danger lurked around every corner.
• My first day at work was a baptism by fire, but I learned a lot.
• The new manager had a baptism by fire when she took over the struggling department.