A word to describe an event that brings out one’s true character [closed]
I’m looking for a word or a phrase that sums up an event that causes someone to be tested, or something that reveals one’s true character.
"Defining moment" maybe.
Dictionary.com: a point at which the essential nature or character of a person, group, etc., is revealed or identified.
Lexico: An event which typifies or determines all subsequent related occurrences.
One of Lexico's examples is:
‘Both of those events were defining moments in my life.’
Though I guess if you have two such events the second would be a redefining moment.
I suggested the phrase "moment of truth" in a comment. Fleshing that out, the phrase may originate in bullfighting (Spanish el momento de verdad). In any case TFD has the following:
- A critical or decisive time on which much depends; a crucial moment.
- Sports The point in a bullfight at which the matador makes the kill.
Also from the TFD link:
- the moment at which one's character, courage, skill, etc., is put to an extreme test; critical moment.
Maybe you're looking for hour of reckoning
the moment of truth : the time when something would be decided
The hour of reckoning had come.
[Merriam-Webster]
Or perhaps litmus test
If you say that something is a litmus test of something, you mean that it is an effective and definite way of proving it or measuring it
Ending the fighting must be the absolute priority, the litmus test of the agreements' validity.
[Collins]
The adjective "telling" does characterize an action or event in the specified way; however, you have to mention the particular thing that is revealed through the given action (character, determination, skill, etc.). There does not seem to exist a one word term for that.
- The last competition was a telling event as regards his character.