Hi Lawrence, Yes you are right it does mean a harrowing period or any ordeal which tests a person's strength, endurance and ability to work under pressure. For example: Finishing the building project, whilst having to implement the new budget controls, was a real trial by fire.

Hi Lawrence, A 'trial by fire' is a very difficult challenge or test that one must face. It actually has a historical meaning related to religious trials from many hundreds of years ago. However, it really doesn't mean that today and it isn't a morbid term.