separate the men from the boys
Reveal true capability
To separate the men from the boys is to distinguish those who are truly capable from those who are not—to reveal who can handle real difficulty.
The phrase implies a test or challenge that exposes inexperience or weakness: This tournament will separate the men from the boys.
Despite the gendered language, it applies broadly to any situation demanding proven competence.
- moment of truthDecisive instant of revelation
- competenceAdequate ability to function
- rise to the occasionSucceed when challenged
- trialJudicial examination of claims
- sink or swimSucceed alone or fail
mastery · adversity · crucible · pressure cooker · crunch time · expertise · evaluation · adulthood · proving ground · examination · responsibility · proficiency · make the cut · sort the wheat from the chaff · natural selection · talent · baptism of fire · aptitude
separate the men from the boysparticipation trophy
Award for mere involvement
lower the bar · all are welcome · dumb it down · grade on a curve · hand-hold
separate the men from the boysa walk in the park
child's play · easy as pie · piece of cake · a breeze · nothing to it
separate the men from the boysbig tent
Inclusive political approach
open door policy · the more the merrier · all-inclusive · welcoming · encouraging
separate, separation, separating, separated, separates, separator, separable, inseparable