noun
fumi-e; Christian image tablet for trampling
Historical term for a tablet bearing Christian images, used in the Edo period to identify hidden Christians by forcing suspects to step on it.
踏み絵は江戸時代のキリシタン弾圧に使われた。
Fumi-e were used in the persecution of Christians during the Edo period.
noun
allegiance test; loyalty test
Figurative extension: any test that forces someone to prove their loyalty or reveal their true beliefs, often under pressure.
その質問は社員への踏み絵のようなものだった。
That question was like a loyalty test for the employees.
Compound of 踏み (fumi, 'stepping', continuative form of 踏む) + 絵 (e, 'picture'). Literally 'stepping picture'.