Trial of brute strength (4)

I believe the answer is:

test

'trial' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'of brute strength' is the wordplay.
'of' indicates a hidden word.
'TEST' can be found hidden inside 'brute strength'.

(Other definitions for test that I've seen before include "Cricket match; try" , "big game" , "Dip one's toe in" , "water flowing through Hampshire" , "Trial; cricket match" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Independent.

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