# prove to be sth

idiom · CEFR B2

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/prove-to-be-sth
Updated: 2026-04-22

## Meaning

to show a specific quality or result over time, especially when it is different from what you expected.

## Examples

- The new employee proved to be very helpful.
- The long hike proved to be more difficult than we expected because of the heavy rain.
- Although the initial investment seemed risky, the project eventually proved to be a significant success for the entire company.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.