stand the test of time

stand the test of time

1. To work, function, or endure for a very long time. As computer technology improves, it's ironically getting harder and harder to find a piece of equipment that can stand the test of time.
2. To be particularly popular or well regarded for a long period of time. Of all the cast members, hers was the only career that stood the test of time.
See also: of, stand, test, time
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

stand the test of time

Prov. to be well regarded; to last for a long time. Bill and Nancy just celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary. Their marriage has stood the test of time. The singer's work was not popular while she was alive, but it has stood the test of time.
See also: of, stand, test, time
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

stand the test of time

COMMON If something stands the test of time, it proves its value over a long period of time and does not fail or go out of fashion. Many people will be wary of the peace settlement until it has stood the test of time. Fashions in floor coverings come and go, but wooden floors have stood the test of time. Note: Verbs such as pass and survive are sometimes used instead of stand. The company has always built easy-to-use, reliable equipment that has survived the test of time due to its high-quality design.
See also: of, stand, test, time
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

stand the test of time

last or remain popular for a long time.
See also: of, stand, test, time
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

stand the test of ˈtime

be considered valuable or useful by people for many years: Dickens’ books have stood the test of time — they are as popular now as they were a century ago.
See also: of, stand, test, time
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • survive the test of time
  • withstand
  • withstand the test of time
  • wake up
  • What's the use (of doing something)?
  • what's the use?
  • put the heat on
  • put the heat on (one)
  • put the heat on someone
  • buck your ideas up
References in periodicals archive
| Will Strictly stand the test of time like classic comedy Dad's Army?
Expressing his confidence in Pak-China relations, he reiterated that Pak-China relations will always stand the test of time.
Ne-Yo, who was recently appointed senior vice president of A&R at Motown Records, insisted that modern day pop stars like Gaga will not stand the test of time - unlike their Motown counterparts.
Plus, Beretta has once again kept the price point down, so you're looking at a smooth-running semi-auto that will stand the test of time for under $750.
Meanwhile, while commenting on the hotel's decision to substitute the sacred book with the erotic novel, the Bible Society remained adamant that the Holy book would stand the test of time.
Once the different characters have become romantically involved, which relationships will stand the test of time? A great story with a touch of magic woven through, this is Keyes at her best.
"And, although they might be controversial, such films should be respected as great movies that stand the test of time." Most controversial films: 1 The Life of Brian, 2 A Clockwork Orange, 3 The Last House on the Left, 4 The War Game, 5 Pink Flamingos.
TEST OF TIME: A young boy engrossed in a book, but will our children's choices stand the test of time?
But Lil's barnet proved it can stand the test of time.
Some serious time has been invested into the online capabilities here and that, coupled with the incredible character customisation options, makes Soulcalibur IV a fighter that will certainly stand the test of time.
It must stand the test of time and meet demands that toys are made to the highest standards."
And when William Rehnquist stopped in for services at a Lutheran church while attending an out-of-town judicial conference, he wanted so badly to avoid being the center of attention that when asked his line of work he averred to being a "government lawyer." Rosen suggests that these well-honed social (and to some degree political) instincts contribute to a jurist's effectiveness on the bench and inform judgments that stand the test of time. As evidence, Rosen points repeatedly to John Marshall, who was able to expand and solidify the Court's jurisdiction in part because of his skill in avoiding confrontations with the political branches.
"We trusted that MKDA would optimize the space while also giving us a clean design that would stand the test of time," says Sheldon Brody, CEO of Marcraft Apparel Group.
Like the Duesenberg brothers' hold on their car company, the metal castings that composed the 481 engines Cord produced were not destined to stand the test of time. At least 10% of the remaining 368 cars need new cylinder heads, according to Schneck.
Any hot rod fan who collects vintage classics will thus relish Old School Hot Rods: Radical Rides That Stand the Test of Time, which packs in pages of color photos along with rebuilding and renovation experiences from a range of collectors.