try / test one's patience

/tɹˈaɪ tˈɛst wˈɒnz pˈeɪʃəns/

/tɹˈaɪ tˈɛst wˈʌnz pˈeɪʃəns/

[phrase]

to try / test one's patience

[PHRASE]

to do something that gradually makes someone angry or upset

to [try|test] {one's} patience definition and meaning

What is the origin of the idiom "try one's patience" and when to use it?

The phrase "try one's patience" has its origin in the English language, but tracing its precise origin is challenging. The concept of patience being tested or strained is a universal human experience, and similar expressions exist in various cultures and languages. This idiom can be used in personal situations, such as dealing with a stubborn child or a challenging family member, as well as in professional settings, like handling difficult clients or navigating complex projects. It encapsulates the idea of maintaining composure and self-control in the face of trying circumstances that push the limits of one's patience.

Examples

1. Little kids get into everything, and it can really try your patience.

2. When my son was young, probably around three or four, he was doing something that I asked him not to do several times and testing my patience.

3. By this I don't mean that they test our patience, although that's certainly true.

4. Thankfully, die-hard DC fans don't have to test their patience much longer because James Gunn's The Suicide Squad will arrive in theatres everywhere and HBO Max on August 6, 2021.

Nearby words