an 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.
See also:
  • 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 classic literature
But he reconciled himself to it by an act of faith. Since it was Dede, it must be eminently all right.
Burning Daylight
It is a sacrament; for it is an act of faith and it is a food.
The Innocence Of Father Brown
"Let us cast our vote as an act of faith in practice, not just as an act of self-interest," read their statement.
NCCP calls on Christians to 'shun corrupt candidates' in May 13 polls
"In some ways we also see it as an act of faith that, ultimately, it will become even clearer that medicine plays an important, but relatively small role in ensuring people live well, stay well and die well.
Joining federation an 'act of faith'--Carryer
Up to this point, the film has kept us on edge, unsure whether Toller's desire to pick up the mantle of Michael's activism is righteous or irrational, an act of faith or an act of despair.
FIRST REFORMED
Self-confidence has become an autonomous industry and an act of faith that cannot be abandoned under any circumstance and for any reason, for we are living in a transition period in the region and our priority is to maintain stability until the regional picture is clear," Machnouk concluded.
Machnouk says Aoun is more open and understanding
Continue reading "Why Anna Wintour and Gwyneth Paltrow's New Magazine Is an Act of Faith" at...
Why Anna Wintour and Gwyneth Paltrow's New Magazine Is an Act of Faith
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
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
"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
They believe it enables their societies to reach, in a single leap, a panacea of progress--almost through an act of faith. it is open to serious question whether the export of democracy as a way of life and as a substantive spiritual message by Americans to "neutralist" countries is technically feasible.
50 years ago ... September/October 1957