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
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

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 American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

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
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • proof of the pudding, the
  • proof of the pudding is in the eating, the
  • the proof of the pudding is in the eating
  • the proof is in the pudding
  • proof is in the pudding
  • be sold on (something)
  • be sold on something
  • sold on (something)
  • sold on someone or something
  • a track record
References in periodicals archive
Murray's shape and personnel might well work in our future league games, but the proof of the pudding will be in the eating.
Fan blog: Airdrie improved
'For our part, we have been resolving the problems, the problems have been addressed, and the proof of the pudding is really the election results, which are still a few hours away,' he said.
Comelec: Voting 'a little problematic'; success lies in count
'The proof of the pudding is in the eating so the old adage goes.
Lawmaker seeks body to reform veterans' pension management
They have promised research-based taxation for at least six sectors with high revenue potential and all that, but the proof of the pudding will still lie in the eating.
It's still the economy
The proof of the pudding is in the eating and we've yet to see whether there genuinely is a feast in store.
Brighter, bolder & could be a belter! COMMENT
so I told Tong that the proof of the pudding is in the eating,' said Dr Mahathir, referring to Edge Media Group chairman Datuk Tong Kooi Ong.
PM: FundMyHome's success will help Pakatan fulfil promise of one million affordable homes in 10 years
The confusion lies with us as, ultimately, the proof of the pudding is in the eating.
Hard as ever to connect the dots
The proof of the pudding as ever is going to be in the eating.
A promising start?
However the proof of the pudding is, as they say, in the eating.
'Disgusting' village
But the proof of the pudding is in the eating and how many of his signings came good?
Painfully obvious that the buck stops with Victor
But like many political promises, the proof of the pudding will be in the eating.
We need to see this talk put into action; RECORD VIEW
But the proof of the pudding was, sadly, in the eating: "Cor!" said Paul, recoiling.
The Great British
He said: "My opinion was always the proof of the pudding is in the eating, it's about what the institution does - in terms of social change - that really matters."
Education path 'now distinctive'
"With any player who moves the proof of the pudding is in the eating, and we won't know that for a couple of years.
Pulis not sold on Sterling yet