moment of truth
Meaning
The time when you must face the real outcome or decisive test; when success or failure becomes clear.
Origin
Often linked to bullfighting (Spanish "el momento de la verdad"), the point when the matador makes the final sword thrust; later generalized to any decisive test or outcome.
Notes
Used for a decisive test or outcome (“the real test”). Neutral tone; common in both speech and writing.
Examples
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After months of training, the moment of truth arrived when she stepped onto the starting line.
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This interview is the moment of truth—either I get the job or I don’t.
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When we opened the box, it was the moment of truth to see if the parts had arrived undamaged.
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The moment of truth came as the judge read the verdict.
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At launch time, it was the moment of truth for the new app’s servers.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually with "the" ("the moment of truth"). Often appears after a lead-in like "Now/This is" or "It’s". Can be used as a noun phrase; plural is possible but less common ("moments of truth").
Synonyms
- the decisive moment
- crunch time
- the real test
- make-or-break moment
Antonyms
- a foregone conclusion
- business as usual