嘉か肴こうありと雖いえども食くらわずんばその旨うまきを知しらず

expression

you can't appreciate something without experiencing it; the proof of the pudding is in the eating

A classical proverb meaning that one cannot truly understand the value or quality of something without direct experience. The literal sense is about fine food, but it is used broadly for teachings, talents, or anything that requires firsthand engagement.

• 「嘉か肴こうありと雖いえども食くらわずんばその旨うまきを知しらず」という諺ことわざがある。

  There is a proverb: 'Even if there is fine food, if you don't eat it, you won't know its taste.'

• この教おしえの深ふかさは、実じっ際さいに試ためしてみなければわからない。まさに嘉か肴こうありと雖いえども食くらわずんばその旨うまきを知しらずだ。

  You won't understand the depth of this teaching unless you try it yourself. Truly, you can't know the taste of fine food without eating it.