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. Going to Mass every Sunday is an act of faith. Many adherents to Judaism keep kosher as 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! I left out some money as an act of faith. If the full amount is still there when we get home, then we know we've got a babysitter we can trust. I hired you as an act of faith, and this is how you repay me—missing your second day of work?

3. An action that shows one's acceptance of or willingness to do something based largely or entirely on one's faith that it is correct or will work, despite having little or no evidence or assurance thereof. Leaving your infant with another person is a real act of faith when you're a new mom. I know it's an act of faith to let your kids go out unsupervised, but you raised a good kid, and I think she'll prove that by not getting into trouble. Taking a new job can feel like a huge act of faith when you've got a family to support.

See also: act, faith, of

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

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, an, faith, of

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

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. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.