C1idiomworkIELTS-friendly
a baptism of fire
USUK
a very difficult first experience of a new job or activity
Often used by journalists about new managers, players and politicians. It suggests the person survived and learnt from it.
In context
Starting as a nurse during the pandemic was a real baptism of fire.
The new coach had a baptism of fire, losing his first three matches.
More idioms about work
- a cushy joba job that is easy and pleasant but still pays well
- a dead-end joba job with no chance of promotion or of learning anything new
- a jack of all tradesa person who can do many different kinds of work fairly well
- a labour of lovehard work that you do because you enjoy it or care about it, not for money
- a nine-to-five joba regular office job with fixed hours, usually from about 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.