Slang dictionary
the proof is in the pudding
[ thuh proof iz in thuh pood-ing ]
What does the proof is in the pudding mean?
The proof is in the pudding is an expression that means the value, quality, or truth of something must be judged based on direct experience with it鈥攐r on its results.
The expression is an alteration of an older saying that makes the meaning a bit clearer: the proof of the pudding is in the eating. In other words, things must be judged by trying them yourself or seeing them in action, rather than on other factors, such as hearsay.
Another variation of the term is the proof of the pudding, which refers to the results themselves, direct experience with something, or the testing of something to judge its value or truth.
In these sayings, the word proof was originally used in the sense of a test of something鈥攕uch as a test of quality, worth, truth, etc. However, it is now often interpreted as meaning the same thing as evidence.
These expressions are applied to a wide variety of scenarios. They鈥檙e often used in the context of offering evidence for a particular argument鈥攐r noting that a judgment can鈥檛 be made until the final result.
Example: Is she the best of all time? The proof is in the pudding鈥攁nd I think her accomplishments speak for themselves.
Where does the proof is in the pudding come from?
The proof is in the pudding is an alteration of the older expression the proof of the pudding is in the eating. The earliest records of the original expression come from the beginning of the 1600s. The shortened version has been in common use since at least the beginning of the 1900s.
The word proof is used in the sense of a test of something鈥攕uch as a test of quality, worth, truth, etc. However, it is now often interpreted as meaning the same thing as evidence. The word pudding refers not to the creamy dessert but rather is used in a sense that鈥檚 more common in the U.K. and other places鈥攁 type of savory dish involving a sausage-like mass of seasoned minced meat, oatmeal, etc., stuffed into a prepared skin or bag and boiled. The phrase the proof of the pudding is in the eating originated as a reference to the fact that it was difficult to judge if the pudding was properly cooked until it was actually being eaten. In other words, the test of whether it鈥檚 done is taking a bite.
Examples of the proof is in the pudding
Who uses the proof is in the pudding?
The proof is in the pudding is typically used when presenting evidence in support of a claim鈥攐ften one intended to prove doubters wrong. It鈥檚 also used to note that a judgment can鈥檛 be made until the results are in.
Perennial reminder that politicians can label themselves "progressive" or "libertarian" or "battlers" if they want, but rather than focusing on a self-made image, it's best to look at their voting record. The proof is in the pudding.
— Shalailah Medhora (@shalailah)
Chicago, we are now at 5% COVID-19 positivity鈥攖he lowest rate since early October. The proof is in the pudding; this is what happens when we come together and adhere to science. We must keep doing what we know works: wearing a mask and physical distancing.
— Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot (@chicagosmayor)
If you think trading DT DeForest Buckner was the right move, you are playing yourself. The proof is in the pudding. We are seeing what I was talking about now.
— Ryan Sakamoto (@BEASTwriter)
Note
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