test in

test in (something or some place)

1. To subject something to a critical evaluation of its quality or ability within some particular place or thing. A noun or pronoun is used between "test" and "in." We'll need to test the device in saltwater to be sure it doesn't corrode. We have tested the product very vigorously in our lab.
2. To subject someone to a critical evaluation of their knowledge or ability in a particular subject, field, or task. A noun or pronoun is used between "test" and "in." The written exam will test you in your knowledge of the various driving laws, while the behind-the-wheel exam will test you in your ability to apply them on the road. They test all potential teachers in their Japanese to make sure they will not struggle to adapt once they arrive in Tokyo.
See also: test
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

test someone in something

to test someone in a particular subject. The committee decided to test her in her knowledge of the laws of the state. We were all tested in math and English.
See also: test
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • identify with
  • rescue from
  • rescue from (someone or something)
  • involve with
  • involve with (someone or something)
  • involved with
  • arrange for
  • arrange for some time
  • arrange some music for
  • back into
References in periodicals archive
Comparison of various indexes for evaluating secretion of islet [sz]-cell-clinical analysis of glucose tolerance test in 186 subjects with different glucose tolerance (in Chinese).
Possibility of evaluating islet [sz]-cell function by oral glucose tolerance test in epidemiological study on diabetes mellitus – Analysis of euglycemic clamp study in 468 non-diabetic pima indians (in Chinese).
Use of First-phase Insulin Secretion in Early Diagnosis of Thyroid Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
The Job Knowledge Test in ICE measures knowledge of customs and immigration laws and general investigative procedures across the range of ICE investigative activities and is divided into equally weighted sections testing knowledge of smuggling and public safety, financial investigations, investigative services, national security investigations, and general criminal investigations techniques.
Information on Immigration Enforcement and Supervisory Promotions in the Department of Homeland Security's Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection
The INS/NFU regards the heavy clothing test as the most significant test in the series of tests conducted.
From each 1,500-round test in each pistol, a maximum of one functional failure is permitted.
"Magic Bullets" For Law Enforcement?
The trouble is that no one at INS headquarters ever sat down and developed the citizenship test in a thoughtful and comprehensive way.
It's the exam that fails: how the INS citizenship test misses the point
Agents must also give a test in which the immigrants demonstrate a basic understanding of U.S.
Contract killers: Selling out privatization at the INS