the proof of the pudding

the proof of the pudding

The final results, which are the only way to judge something's quality or veracity. Our analysts think that the marketing campaign will reinvigorate our sales, but the proof of the pudding will be in our year-end figures.See also: of, proof, pudding

proof of the pudding, the

Results are what count, as in Let's see if this ad actually helps sales-the proof of the pudding, you know. The full expression of this proverb, dating from about 1600, is The proof of the pudding is in the eating, but it has become so well known that it is often abbreviated. See also: of, proof

the proof of the ˈpudding (is in the ˈeating)

(saying) you can only say something is a success after it has actually been tried out or used: I know you didn’t think it was a very good product, but just look at the fantastic sales figures. That’s the proof of the pudding. Proof in this idiom refers to a way of testing something.See also: of, proof, pudding