have something to prove

have something to prove

To have the need to display and confirm one's abilities to others who are doubtful. His parents expect his art career to fail, so he definitely has something to prove with this upcoming gallery show.
See also: have, prove, something
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • get (one's) bearings
  • get one's bearings
  • lose (one's) bearings
  • lose one's bearings
  • audition for
  • find (one's) bearings
  • find/get your bearings
  • (one's) bearings
  • one's bearings
  • modesty
References in periodicals archive
"We frustrated them when we didn't have the ball and pressed them with a purpose, then in the second half caused them a lot of problems." Speaking of the goals, he added "Quinn missed so many of those in training we thought he was defending and as for Theo having something to prove, every single player, myself and all the staff have something to prove every week."
RED FACES; Harry's Hoops embarrassed as they get Don over