moment of truth

noun

1. the moment in a bullfight when the matador kills the bull

• Hypernyms: ↑moment, ↑minute, ↑second, ↑instant

• Part Holonyms: ↑bullfighting, ↑tauromachy

2. a crucial moment on which much depends

• Hypernyms: ↑moment, ↑minute, ↑second, ↑instant

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Etymology: translation of Spanish momento (or hora) de la verdad

1. : the final sword thrust in a bullfight

2. : a moment of crisis on whose outcome much or everything depends

the lift-off of a … space vehicle with three men aboard is an awesome moment of truth — R.A.Petrone

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1. the moment in a bullfight at which the matador is about to make the kill.

2. the moment at which one's character, courage, skill, etc., is put to an extreme test; critical moment.

[1930-35]

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moment of truth noun

1. The climax of a bullfight

2. A moment when, suddenly and dramatically, one is face to face with stark reality, often a testing moment (figurative)

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Main Entry: ↑moment

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moment of truth see under ↑moment

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Main Entry: ↑truth

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moment of truth,

1. the point in time when a harsh truth must be faced; a moment of direct confrontation with some unpleasant fact or circumstance: »

It was a shaking moment of truth for the Government and for the British public, who suddenly received a lightning, unflattering intimation of exactly how solid a risk they looked to the neighbors (New Yorker). As the excruciatingly painful moment of truth nears on voting a half-billion dollars of new taxes, a rash of substitute proposals can be expected from lawmakers (New York Times).

2. the moment in a bullfight when the matador faces the bull with the final sword thrust.

╂[translation of Spanish momento de la verdad]

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a time when a person or thing is tested, a decision has to be made, or a crisis has to be faced

Origin:

with allusion to the final sword-thrust in a bullfight

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moment of truth

: the time when you have to do or decide something

The moment of truth came early, when we had to decide whether to stay or go.

It was her moment of truth, when she needed to show that she had the talent to succeed.

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Main Entry: ↑moment

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moment of truth — see ↑moment

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Main Entry: ↑truth