proved equal to the occasion

[Oinas]

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #464 "English Slang Idioms (206)", question 1

"When the roof started leaking, I thought that we would have to call a contractor and spend thousands of dollars we didn't have. My husband, surprisingly, proved ......... to the occasion and somehow fixed it after only a few hours," Lilly told Paula and Mike.

(a) even
(b) eventual
(c) equal
(d) easy

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #464 "English Slang Idioms (206)", answer 1

"When the roof started leaking, I thought that we would have to call a contractor and spend thousands of dollars we didn't have. My husband, surprisingly, proved equal to the occasion and somehow fixed it after only a few hours," Lilly told Paula and Mike.

Correct answer: (c) equal

Your answer was: correct
_________________________

Hi! Would you please explain what "proved equal to the occasion" means? Thank you!

[Mister Micawber]

'Prove equal to the occasion' = 'Deal satisfactorily/successfully with the situation/problem'.
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Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's