Lets say player 1 is the big blind and you are on the button. Everyone folds around to you and you push all in.

You have two ways to win this hand

a) Player 1 calls and your cards hold up to win
b) Player 1 thinks its not worth the gambool to call when he has no clue what you have and loads of his chips are at risk.

part b) is an example of folding equity working for you.