proof of the pudding

[ proof uhv thuh pood-ing ]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of proof of the pudding¹

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

Example Sentences

“The proof of the pudding will be what happens when it goes into humans and how going into a preimmune population skews the response to it,” Dr. Webby said.

From New York Times

"The final proof of the pudding is the ship's performance during sea trials. While it seems to be behaving pretty well, stability wise, aircraft operations have yet to commence. One hopes it will be a success story all the way," former Chief of India's Naval Staff Admiral Arun Prakash told Reuters.

From Reuters

"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

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

From Scientific American

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