have to show for

Idioms

Be able to exhibit as a result of one's work or expenditure. For example, I've been working all day and I have absolutely nothing to show for it, or He has some very fine paintings to show for the vast amount of money he's spent. This idiom was first recorded in 1727.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It depends what they have to show for it.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 18, 2026

What does she have to show for more than a decade of blood, sweat and tears?

From BBC • Oct. 1, 2024

It’s what you have to show for it.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 6, 2024

“What do we have to show for it? Nothing,” Smith said of the money spent by city leaders.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 16, 2023

She worked from before dawn until well after dark, and what did she have to show for it?

From "Lyddie" by Katherine Paterson

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023