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

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

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. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012

stand the test of time

last or remain popular for a long time.

See also: of, stand, test, time

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

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 © Farlex 2017

test of time, stood the/passed the

Proved to be of lasting value. Although the idea is undoubtedly older, this expression appears to date only from 1800 or so. Washington Irving used it in his Sketch Book (1820): “They have borne the test of time.”

See also: of, passe, stood, test

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References in periodicals archive

| Will Strictly stand the test of time like classic comedy Dad's Army?

Who do you think you are kidding with this dross?

Expressing his confidence in Pak-China relations, he reiterated that Pak-China relations will always stand the test of time.

No parallel of Pak-China relations: NA speaker

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.

Smooth operator

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.

Fifty shades of grey forcing Bible to take a back seat in UK hotel rooms

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.

Review:

"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.

Life of Brian top film to cause a fuss; MOVIES

TEST OF TIME: A young boy engrossed in a book, but will our children's choices stand the test of time?

Misplaced, JK Rowling and Roald Dahl, as they fail to win votes... Best-selling authors miss out as Children's Laureates back classics

But Lil's barnet proved it can stand the test of time.

the Razz: Lily's in the dark

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.

must have games; the place to be

It must stand the test of time and meet demands that toys are made to the highest standards."

Toy law backed

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.

Kindergarten Court: why the best justices are those that play well with others

"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.

MKDA helping Trump suit up New York's business sharks

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.

Put in reverse: in order to put a classic, extremely rare Duesenberg Model J into gear, metalcasting engineers had to go in reverse

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.

Old School Hot Rods