act of faith

act of faith

1. An action that reveals or proves one's religious devotion. In my sister's religion, walking on hot coals is an act of faith.
2. An action that reveals or proves one's interest or trustworthiness. The millionaire investor is meeting with us as an act of faith, so our presentation has to be absolutely perfect!
3. An action that tests one's morals or beliefs. Leaving your infant with another person is a real act of faith when you're a new mom.
See also: act, faith, of
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

an act of faith

an act or deed demonstrating religious faith; an act or deed showing trust in someone or something. For him to trust you with his safety was a real act of faith.
See also: act, faith, of
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

act of faith

Behavior that shows or tests a person's religious or other convictions, as in Rock climbing with a new, inexperienced partner was a real act of faith. The term is a translation of the Portuguese auto da fé, which referred to the sentencing and execution of heretics (often by burning at the stake) during the Inquisition, when punishing heresy was thought to constitute an assertion of faith. In modern times it is used for more benign circumstances. [Early 1700s]
See also: act, faith, of
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
See also:
  • an act of faith
  • take action
  • while you are at it
  • chill (one's) action
  • chill action
  • chill someone’s action
  • an act of war
  • damned if I do, damned if I don't
  • damned if you do, damned if you don't
  • I'm damned if I do and damned if I don't
References in periodicals archive
In the meantime, I will always be thankful that I made the choice that day to be a part of an unconditional act of faith.
An unconditional act of faith--Rev. Cynthia Meyer comes out to her Methodist congregation
Finally, in this Christmas issue, Eric Friesen reminds us that, for the vast majority of migrants, the journey is a great act of faith. Canada's William Kurelek, the child of Ukrainian immigrants, found in the harshness of the long prairie winter a special reward, a vision that could perhaps inspire today's migrants as they crowd aboard train cars on their way to an uncertain future.
From the editor
Summary: Some 2 million Muslims from around the world gathered Friday at a desert hill near Mecca in Saudi Arabia in an act of faith and repentance during the climactic emotional and spiritual moment of the annual hajj pilgrimage.
About two million Muslims pray on climax of hajj
But the takeover is an act of faith and it has placed confidence and a value on the skills and abilities of a Scottish workforce.
McColl gives hope to shipbuilders; RECORD VIEW
This is definitely an act of faith, because, at the time, the ground is lying under about 5 feet of snow.
High-altitude, low-cost gardening
| ACT OF FAITH: Pope Francis kisses a baby Jesus statue, and (right) a performer in Newcastle city centre
Revellers welcome in the new year
The former Conservative Cabinet minister adds that supporting HS2 is as much an act of faith as a reliance on figures, and that the UK "must consider carefully the cost of not acting" over HS2.
Heseltine: fast-track line construction
Led by the Archbishop of Birmingham, many parishes, members of religious communities, school groups and youth were present for a public act of faith.
A sea of faith in Walsall; VIEWS
"It is unconscionable that a student athlete could be punished for an expression of religious faith or that an act of faith could disqualify an athlete in a UIL competition," Perry said.
Perry Asks UIL for Investigation
I regard this as an act of faith and a vote of confidence.
Hilary Mantel makes history by becoming 1st woman to win Man Booker Prize twice
"Adoration is primarily an act of faith--the act of faith as such," the Pope said.
Pope's address to Curia: 'how do we proclaim the gospel today?'
** GARDINER, Kelly (text) Act of Faith A&R, 2011 227pp $19.99 pbk ISBN 9780732292805 SCIS 1510856
Gardiner, Kelly (text): Act of Faith
Notice that the act of faith engages the entire person.
Reason, faith, and obedience
ENVIRONMENT Robert Black.; ACT OF FAITH Regent Point, nearing completion at Gosforth.
pounds 15m offices that tick boxes will soon be completed
The idea that they will ultimately keep the system going, even if they've raked off billions for themselves, because it's in the common good for them to do so, has proved to be a false act of faith by us all.
Letter: Banks to blame