Have to show for


Be able to exhibit as a result of one’s work or expenditure. For example, I’ve been working all day and I have absolutely nothing to show for it, or He has some very fine paintings to show for the vast amount of money he’s spent. This idiom was first recorded in 1727.

Read Also:

  • Have two left feet

    verb phrase Be clumsy: you’ve got two left feet (1915+) see: two left feet

  • Have up

    verb 1. (transitive, adverb; usually passive) to cause to appear for trial: he was had up for breaking and entering

  • Have what it takes

    verb phrase To have the right abilities, personality, etc, for success: Do you have what it takes? Let me enhance your gifts! (1934+)

  • Have words with

    Quarrel with, scold, as in If Pete keeps on pushing Billy I’m going to have words with him . This phrase dates from the late 1700s, although the use of words for an altercation is much older. Also see have a word with

  • Havilah

    [hav-uh-lah, -luh] /ˈhæv əˌlɑ, -lə/ noun 1. a female given name. the sand region. (1.) A land mentioned in Gen. 2:11 rich in gold and bdellium and onyx stone. The question as to the locality of this region has given rise to a great diversity of opinion. It may perhaps be identified with the sandy […]


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