have something to show for something

verb

To have (some profit, reward, benefit, etc.) as a result of (one's work, expenditure, etc.)

“I've been panning for gold for two years, and this tiny speck is all I have to show for it.”

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Meanings

verbhave something to show for something (third-person singular simple present has something to show for something, present participle having something to show for something, simple past and past participle had something to show for something)

present singular third person has something to show for something · participle present having something to show for something · participle past had something to show for something · past had something to show for something

  1. idiomaticTo have (some profit, reward, benefit, etc.) as a result of (one's work, expenditure, etc.)

    I've been panning for gold for two years, and this tiny speck is all I have to show for it.

Cite this entry
APA

have something to show for something. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 5, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/have%20something%20to%20show%20for%20something

MLA

“have something to show for something.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/have%20something%20to%20show%20for%20something. Accessed November 5, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “have something to show for something,” accessed November 5, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/have%20something%20to%20show%20for%20something.

Source: have something to show for something on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.