moment of truth
Time for truth
A moment of truth is a critical point when something is tested or revealed decisively—when reality replaces speculation.
The phrase comes from bullfighting, where it names the final sword thrust that kills the bull.
Now it applies broadly to any situation where the outcome becomes clear: The moment of truth arrived when she opened the envelope.
Point of greatest intensity
- showdownDecisive final confrontation
- crossroadsMeeting of routes
- turning pointDecisive moment of change
- critical pointDecisive juncture in events
watershed · reckoning · crunch time · zero hour · high noon · do-or-die · make-or-break · tipping point
Direct clash between opponents
- standoffUnresolved confrontation between opponents
- challengeTest of ability
- testEvaluative examination
- trialJudicial examination of claims
ultimatum · duel · encounter · clash · struggle · proving ground · ordeal · gauntlet
Sudden profound insight
- insightDeep perceptive understanding
- realizationGrasping what's true
- discoveryAct of finding something
- unveilingAct of first revealing
disclosure · breakthrough · awakening · illumination · clarity · unmasking · exposure · confession
Act of selecting
- verdictOfficial court decision
- commitmentFirm pledge to act
- resolveFirmness of purpose
- determinationFirmness of purpose
finality · resolution · judgment call · leap of faith · point of no return · Rubicon · fork in road · drawing the line
climax
Point of greatest intensity
- showdownDecisive final confrontation
- crossroadsMeeting of routes
- turning pointDecisive moment of change
critical point · watershed · reckoning · crunch time · zero hour · high noon · do-or-die · make-or-break · tipping point · flash point
face-off
Direct clash between opponents
- standoffUnresolved confrontation between opponents
- challengeTest of ability
- testEvaluative examination
trial · ultimatum · duel · encounter · clash · struggle · proving ground · ordeal · gauntlet · baptism of fire
epiphany
Sudden profound insight
- insightDeep perceptive understanding
- realizationGrasping what's true
- discoveryAct of finding something
unveiling · disclosure · breakthrough · awakening · illumination · clarity · unmasking · exposure · confession · admission
choice
Act of selecting
- verdictOfficial court decision
- commitmentFirm pledge to act
- resolveFirmness of purpose
determination · finality · resolution · judgment call · leap of faith · point of no return · Rubicon · fork in road · drawing the line · standing ground
- reality checkswake-up call, reality check, eye-opener, harsh reality
- anticipationanticipating, expectation, expectancy, expecting, awaiting
- dramatic momentsclimax, finale, showdown, confrontation, revelation
- High Stakesdo-or-die, do or die, make-or-break, make or break, life or death
- opportunitygolden opportunity, window of opportunity, opportunity knocks, once in a lifetime, golden chance
- suspensesuspense, suspenseful, tension, nail-biter, nail-biting
moment of truthrehearsal
Pre-performance practice session
practice run · dry run · trial run · dress rehearsal · simulation
moment of truthdenial
Refusal to accept reality
avoidance · evasion · postponement · deferral · procrastination
truth, moment, momentary, momentum, moments, momentarily, momentous