English edit

Alternative forms edit

Etymology edit

From the 1950s American image of putting on a white glove and running a finger along a spot to see how much dirt and dust is accumulated as a way of measuring how well the area has been kept clean.

Noun edit

white glove test (plural white glove tests)

  1. An examination of cleanliness, hygiene or other cleaning-related standards.
    Looking at the imprint his hand had left on the visible layer of dust, he realized his home would certainly not pass his mother's white glove test.

References edit