put to the proof

put to the proof

To be tested, or to test something. I'm hopeful that the invention will now finally work properly, but it needs to be put to the proof first.
See also: proof, put
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • proof positive
  • the flower of
  • the flower of (something)
  • the flower of something
  • hope for
  • hope for (something)
  • the high road
  • necessity is the mother of innovation
  • hope for the best
  • pics or it didn't happen
References in classic literature
Miss Crawford's uneasiness was much lightened by this conversation, and she walked home again in spirits which might have defied almost another week of the same small party in the same bad weather, had they been put to the proof; but as that very evening brought her brother down from London again in quite, or more than quite, his usual cheerfulness, she had nothing farther to try her own.
Mansfield Park
As they could not be put to the proof until this evening, I invited you and your colleague to take a holiday for the day.
The Valley of Fear
IT was Saturday, the third of October--the day on which the assertion of Arnold's marriage to Anne Silvester was to be put to the proof.
Man And Wife
(if she likes) her correspondence with me, and shall satisfy him in that way that he was acquitted in her estimation, before the question of his innocence was put to the proof.
The Moonstone
Indeed, just 48 hours before the SPL2 blueprint he has championed so publicly was about to be put to the proof, Flynn sacked John Robertson as Livingston manager.
Football: Please Pearse Flynn's bubble
They may not be put to the proof of their religious doctrines or beliefs.
DO PRISON INMATES HAVE A RIGHT TO VEGETARIAN MEALS?
He added: "I am quite confident that evidence is available that demonstrates that Chris Woodhead's side of the story has at least to be challenged and put to the proof.
Union wants Woodhead inquiry; Inspector accused of lying about affair