Level C2

stand the test of time

remain valuable or valid over a long period

In Spanish

resistir el paso del tiempo

Examples

  • Few software architectures stand the test of time the way Unix has.
  • The classic novel has stood the test of time and is still widely read today.
  • The ancient ruins have stood the test of time, attracting tourists from around the world.

When it's used

This idiom is used to describe something that remains relevant or valuable over a long period. It is common in formal and written contexts, such as art or historical reviews. While not often used in casual speech, it is well understood by native speakers.

The common mistake

Spanish speakers might incorrectly say 'pass the test of time', but this does not convey the same sense of durability and endurance. The correct expression is 'stand the test of time', which emphasizes longevity.

Related idioms

Recognising it isn't the same as using it

Reading an idiom and understanding it is step one. Dropping it into a conversation, at the right moment, without stopping to think, is another — and that only comes from speaking.

Practise speaking