noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru'
trampling on a fumi-e; apostatizing by stepping on a Christian image
Historical practice in Edo-period Japan where suspected Christians were forced to step on a tablet bearing Christian images to prove they had renounced the faith.
See also: 踏み絵
江戸時代、キリシタンは絵踏みを強いられた。
In the Edo period, Christians were forced to trample on fumi-e.
絵踏みは棄教の意思表示とみなされた。
Trampling on the fumi-e was regarded as a declaration of apostasy.
noun
allegiance test; loyalty test
Figurative extension of the historical practice; used for any situation where someone is forced to prove their loyalty or true beliefs, often under pressure.
See also: 踏み絵
その質問は、まるで絵踏みのような忠誠心の試しだった。
That question was like a loyalty test, almost a modern-day fumi-e.