The proof (not taste) of the pudding is in the eating

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Many Nigerians often say, “The taste of the pudding is in the eating,” thinking it means you can only know how good something is by experiencing it. While the intended meaning is clear, the correct phrase is, “The proof of the pudding is in the eating,” according to the Cambridge Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Dictionary, and Oxford Dictionaries.

“The proof of the pudding is in the eating” means that you can only judge the quality of something after you have tried it or used it. For example, you might think a new phone looks great based on the ads, but you will only know if it’s good when you actually use it.

How to use the idiom “The proof of the pudding is in the eating”

The phrase “The proof of the pudding is in the eating” is often shortened to “The proof is in the pudding.” However, this can be confusing because it’s not just about pudding or food. It’s about results. You can only know if something is good or successful by trying it out.

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Examples in daily life

1. Trying New Recipes: Imagine you find a new recipe online for chocolate cake. The picture looks delicious, and the ingredients seem perfect. But you won’t know if it tastes good until you bake the cake and eat it. This is the proof of the pudding – the real test is in tasting the cake.
2. Learning a New Skill: Suppose you want to learn how to play the guitar. You read books, watch videos, and talk about playing the guitar with friends. But the real proof is when you pick up the guitar and start playing. Only then will you see if you can play well.
3. Buying Products: When you buy a new phone, it might have great reviews and many features. But you will only know if it suits your needs once you start using it. If it works well for you, then it passes the test.

This idiom teaches us an important lesson: don’t judge things only by how they look or sound. Try them out to see if they really work or are as good as they seem.

Why do people say the proof is in the pudding?

Using this idiom in life helps us make better decisions. Instead of just believing what we hear or see, we test things ourselves. This way, we avoid disappointment and find what truly works for us.

“The proof of the pudding is in the eating” reminds us that real value is shown through action and results, not just words or appearances. Whether it’s baking a cake, learning a new skill, or buying something new, the real test is in trying it out. So, next time you come across something new, remember to give it a try – the proof is in the pudding!