prove (redirected from prove something up)

be the exception that proves the rule

if you say something is the exception that proves the rule, you mean that although it does not support the statement you have made, the statement is usually true. This woman is the exception that proves the rule that it is impossible to be a warmonger and a feminist at the same time.

See also: rule, that

prove/show your mettle (slightly formal)

to prove that you are good at doing something by succeeding in a difficult situation. A relative newcomer to the game, he's certainly proved his mettle in the last two games.

See also: mettle, show

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have something to prove

to need to show that you can succeed when people expect you to fail. After two dismal seasons, the players on this team feel they have something to prove.

Usage notes: also used in the negative form have nothing to prove or not have anything to prove to have no reason to persuade others you can succeed, because you have already succeeded: He was as famous as he wanted to be, and felt he no longer had anything to prove.

See also: something

prove your mettle

to show that you are brave and have a strong character. As a reporter, she certainly proved her mettle working in the midst of a war zone.

See also: mettle

prove out something

to show that something is true. Of the many accusations against her, only two ever proved out. I think there was better safety when there were more controls on the industry, but I don't know if the accident rates will prove that out or not.