proof of the pudding

American  

[proof uhv thuh pood-ing] / ˈpruf ʌv ðə ˈpʊd ɪŋ /

noun

1. the true value or quality of something, as seen when it is experienced, tried, or put to use.

   The proof of the pudding for a business is what customers say about it.

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Etymology

Origin of proof of the pudding

First recorded in 1600–20; from the proverb “The proof (i.e., test) of the pudding is in the eating”

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

proof of the pudding

"The critical sign of seriousness is complete Zambia, complete Chad, complete Ethiopia - it is the very old saying: the proof of the pudding is in the eating."

From Reuters ● Jul. 7, 2022

But, she adds, “the proof of the pudding is in the eating.”

From Scientific American ● Mar. 11, 2022

Of course, the proof of the pudding is always in the eating, and despite years of testing, there will no doubt be teething problems when it comes to using this technology in farms.

From The Verge ● Jan. 4, 2022

“But the proof of the pudding is in the eating, and we will see whether Biden will deliver real change if elected.”

From New York Times ● Oct. 16, 2020

“The proof of the pudding will come Thursday night when and if the old boy explodes Mr. Johnson’s mine.”

From Signal in the Dark by Mildred A. (Mildred Augustine) Wirt