the rubber meets the road

the rubber meets the road

Someone's or something's efforts, resolve, or viability are put to the test; things become truly or meaningfully challenging. Used especially after the words "where" or "when." Their business model is sound, but drumming up continued support with the public throughout the year will be where the rubber meets the road. The government has pledged support for our efforts. Now the question is whether they'll honor that commitment when the rubber meets the road. It will be in the execution of her plan that the rubber meets the road, so to speak.
See also: meet, road, rubber
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • the rubber hits the road
  • when the rubber hits the road
  • when the rubber meets the road
  • where the rubber hits the road
  • where the rubber meets the road
  • sold on (something)
  • sold on someone or something
  • a ragged colt may make a good horse
  • colt
  • ragged