eating

The proof of the pudding is in the eating.

Prov. You don't know the quality of something until you have tried it or experienced it. Theory says that this material will produce a superior widget, but the proof of the pudding is in the eating.

See also: proof, pudding

What's eating someone?

Inf. Fig. What is bothering someone? Tom: Go away! Bob: Gee, Tom, what's eating you? Bill: Tom's so grouchy lately. What's eating him? Bob: Beats me!

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a shit-eating grin  (American taboo)

a look of extreme satisfaction on someone's face that is annoying to other people who are less happy Ever since she heard they'd won she's been sitting there with that shit-eating grin on her face.

See also: grin

have somebody in the palm of your hand  also have somebody eating out of the palm of your hand

to have so much control over someone that they will do whatever you want them to do She's got her boyfriend eating out of the palm of her hand. It was such an amazing performance - he had the audience in the palm of his hand.

See grease palm

See also: hand, have, palm

what's eating somebody?  (informal)

something that you ask when someone is angry and you want to know why He suddenly noticed I wasn't joining in the conversation. 'What's eating you tonight?' he asked.

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what's eating you (spoken)

what is making you angry What's eating him today - pressure from work or problems at home?