living proof: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘living proof’ mean?
The idiom "living proof" is used to describe a person or thing that serves as undeniable evidence or confirmation of a particular statement or belief.
Idiom Explorer
"Smoking gun" is an idiom that refers to a piece of evidence or proof that clearly shows someone's guilt or wrongdoing, leaving no doubt about their involvement in a particular event or situation.
The idiom "seeing is believing" means that someone is more likely to believe something when they see it with their own eyes, rather than simply hearing about it or being told about it by someone else.
The idiom "or what" is used as a rhetorical question to emphasize a statement or assertion that is strongly believed or supported. It is often used to express certainty, determination, or defiance. The phrase is typically used in informal or spoken language.
The idiom "one's word is law" means that a person's statement or promise is considered absolute and must be obeyed without question.
The idiom *one and the same* means that two or more things or people are identical or indistinguishable from each other.
The idiom "one and only" means the unique or singular example of something or someone. It emphasizes that there is no other comparable or similar entity.
The idiom "one and all" means every single person or thing, without exception.
The idiom "often wrong, never in doubt" means that someone is frequently incorrect in their opinions or judgments, but remains confident and steadfast in their beliefs regardless of evidence or feedback.
The idiom "of an" is used to emphasize a particular quality or characteristic of someone or something. It indicates that the quality being mentioned is extremely notable or outstanding.
The idiom "nugget of truth" refers to a small but significant piece of information or fact that is valuable and accurate.
Unveiling Unconventional Meanings
Living proof is an idiom that is widely used in the English language. It means that a person or thing provides clear evidence or confirmation of a fact or claim. The phrase emphasizes the firsthand nature of the evidence, suggesting that it is undeniable and cannot be refuted.
The origin of the idiom can be traced back to the 17th century. The concept of using living individuals or objects as evidence or confirmation has likely been present in human thought for centuries before the phrase was coined. However, the exact historical origin of the phrase is uncertain.
The idiom is commonly used in various contexts, including everyday conversations, literature, and media. It is often employed to emphasize the credibility and effectiveness of an argument or statement by providing real-life examples.
One might say, "I am the living proof that hard work pays off" to assert that their personal success is a testament to the validity of the claim.
The popularity of the idiom can be attributed to its simplicity, versatility, and relatability. It captures the universal human desire for concrete evidence and highlights the power of firsthand experiences in strengthening an argument.
The phrase 'living proof' is related to several idioms, including "smoking gun", "seeing is believing", "living end", and "live and die by".
The idiom "smoking gun" is used to describe evidence that provides undeniable proof of someone's guilt or wrongdoing. It suggests that the evidence is so conclusive that it is as if the gun used in a crime is still smoking. When combined with the phrase 'living proof,' it conveys the idea that the living person or thing serves as the undeniable evidence of someone's guilt or wrongdoing. It emphasizes the immediacy and certainty of the evidence.
The idiom "seeing is believing" means that it is difficult to believe something without seeing it firsthand. When combined with the phrase 'living proof,' it reinforces the idea that the living person or thing provides firsthand evidence that can be seen and experienced. It highlights the power and persuasiveness of firsthand experiences in convincing others.
The idiom "living end" is used to describe someone or something that is highly amusing, entertaining, or extraordinary. When combined with the phrase 'living proof,' it suggests that the living person or thing is not only exceptional but also provides clear evidence or confirmation of their exceptional qualities. It emphasizes the remarkable nature of the living proof.
The idiom "live and die by" means to be extremely committed, dedicated, or reliant on something. When combined with the phrase 'living proof,' it conveys the idea that the living person or thing serves as the ultimate example or evidence of the commitment, dedication, or reliance on something. It highlights the all-encompassing nature of the living proof.
'living proof' is an idiomatic expression that signifies a person or thing serving as undeniable evidence or confirmation of a particular claim. The phrase's historical origin remains unclear, yet its widespread usage attests to its enduring relevance and usefulness in the English language. Whether used in casual conversations or formal discussions, 'living proof' conveys the strength and persuasive impact of real-life examples.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "living proof" can be used in a sentence:
- She went from being overweight to having a fit body, and is living proof that hard work and dedication pays off.
- His successful career as a self-made entrepreneur is living proof that with determination and skills, anyone can achieve their goals.
- The new medical treatment has helped many patients recover, and they are the living proof of its effectiveness.
More "Evidential" idioms
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