(idiomatic) To engage in argument.

(intransitive) To demonstrate or establish one's own worth.

(military) A terrain or installation for testing weapons, military equipment, or tactics. / (figuratively) A venue or project in which new technologies, methods, or techniques are tested.

plural of proving ground

plural of exception that proves the rule

plural of exception that proves the rule

The rare occurrence of a counterexample to a rule, used to demonstrate that the rule exists.

A phrase expressing a basic truth which may be applied to common situations. / A striking or paradoxical assertion; an obscure saying; an enigma; a parable.

To write or utter proverbs. / To name in, or as, a proverb. / To provide with a proverb.

Place or source of origin. / (archaeology) The place and time of origin of some artifact or other object. See Usage note below. / (art) The history of ownership of a work of art