踏み絵
Meanings
1
fumi-e; Christian image tablet for trampling
historical term
Historical term for a tablet bearing Christian images, used in the Edo period to identify hidden Christians by forcing suspects to step on it.
Fumi-e were used in the persecution of Christians during the Edo period.
2
allegiance test; loyalty test
Figurative extension: any test that forces someone to prove their loyalty or reveal their true beliefs, often under pressure.
That question was like a loyalty test for the employees.
Usage patterns
- 〈人〉に踏み絵を踏ませるto force someone to prove where their loyalty lies
The boss made his subordinate take a loyalty test to gauge his devotion.
- 踏み絵を踏むto be put through a loyalty test / forced to reveal one's true stance
He ended up having to take a loyalty test at that meeting.
- 〈事〉が踏み絵になるfor something to serve as a litmus test of loyalty or true belief
That remark became a litmus test of his true feelings.