◊ A baptism of fire or (chiefly US) baptism by fire is a first experience that is very difficult or painful, such as the first time that soldiers are in a battle.战火洗礼;严峻考验
He described his troop's baptism of fire on the front lines.他描述了他的部队在前线接受战火洗礼的情况。
Covering the disaster was a baptism by fire for the young reporter.报道此次灾难对这名年轻记者来说是个严峻考验