crucible of adversity
- noun
:
crisol de adversidad
- Their friendship was forged in the crucible of adversity.
Examples
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The team’s unity was strengthened by the crucible of adversity they endured.
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Great leaders often emerge from the crucible of adversity.
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Facing a crucible of adversity can lead to personal growth.
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Going through a crucible of adversity can strengthen relationships.
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The team's perseverance during the crucible of adversity helped them achieve their goal.
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He believed that every challenge was a crucible of adversity that could lead to his growth.
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Their bond deepened as they faced the crucible of adversity together.
Synonyms
∞
3.1
A difficult task that tests a person's skill and will
755
1.0
A situation that challenges a person's ability or courage
87
3.5
A difficult experience that tests your patience
71
4.9
A difficult time when you face many problems
A long painful time someone must go through to reach a goal
A series of difficult tests or challenges someone must go through
How Severe
Surface Forms
Morphology
crucible + of + adversity
The meaning comes from a metaphorical extension of 'crucible' (literal container for melting → a severe test) combined with 'adversity' (hardship), so a learner who knows both words could plausibly infer it refers to a severe trial caused by hardship. However, the figurative use of 'crucible' is not strictly compositional and is relatively low-frequency, so the relation is partly inferable but not fully predictable without exposure.
Etymology
Crucible of adversity uses a strong image: a crucible is a very hot pot used to melt metal, and adversity means hard times. So being in a crucible of adversity is like being put under great heat to be tested and grow stronger, which is why the phrase means 'a hard test that makes people or relationships stronger'.