stand the test of time

Meaning

This expression describes something that remains popular, relevant, or valued over a long period, rather than being a short-lived trend. In the entertainment industry, it refers to classic films, albums, or novels that are still loved by audiences decades after their release. It connotes high quality and enduring appeal.

Examples

• Great storytelling is the main reason why classic films stand the test of time.

  Great storytelling is the main reason why classic films stand the test of time.

• Although recorded in the seventies, their music has stood the test of time.

  Although recorded in the seventies, their music has stood the test of time.

• Many modern blockbusters are fun, but few will stand the test of time.

  Many modern blockbusters are fun, but few will stand the test of time.

• The novel's themes of love and betrayal ensure it will stand the test of time.

  The novel's themes of love and betrayal ensure it will stand the test of time.

• This sitcom has stood the test of time because the humor is incredibly relatable.

  This sitcom has stood the test of time because the humor is incredibly relatable.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ The movie has stayed the test of time.

  ✓ The movie has stood the test of time.

  The verb in this idiom is strictly 'stand' (past participle 'stood'), not 'stay' or 'keep'.

• ✗ Their songs stood the test of times.

  ✓ Their songs stood the test of time.

  The word 'time' is singular in this idiom. Do not pluralize it to 'times'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Only a handful of video games from the nineties have truly ___.

  💡 Use the past participle form.

  Show answer

  stood the test of time

• A masterpiece should be able to ___ and appeal to future generations.

  💡 Use the base form.

  Show answer

  stand the test of time