Trial by fire is an idiom that is often used to describe a challenging situation that tests someone's ability or character. To express this idea, one might say that someone is being put through the wringer or that they are facing baptism by fire. Alternatively, you could say that they are being subjected to a crucible experience or a trial of fortitude. Another option might be to describe the situation as a trial of courage or endurance, or as a test of mettle. Whatever the phrasing, all of these synonyms convey the idea of a difficult challenge that someone must overcome in order to succeed.