have something to show for something

English

Verb

have 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)

1. (idiomatic) 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