in practice

Idioms  

1. Actually, in fact, especially as opposed to theoretically or in principle . For example, In practice this contraption seems to work, although no one knows how or why . [Second half of 1500s] Also see put into practice .

2. In the exercise of a particular profession, as in She's an obstetrician and has been in practice for at least ten years . [c. 1700]

3. In a state of being exercised so as to maintain one's skill, as in This trumpeter is always in practice . [Early 1600s] For an antonym, see out of practice .

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Example Sentences

Whatever path Iranian funds take, they almost inevitably touch the dollar, in practice through dollar-pegged stablecoins, principally Tether, favored for its global liquidity.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026

Brussels said the fee offered earlier this year "at first sight" was "in practice equivalent to the previous access ban".

From Barron's • Jun. 9, 2026

"The committee therefore opposes any changes until robust, independent real-world assessments have been undertaken to understand how these changes could affect local communities in practice," the letter said.

From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026

Plum missed her fourth consecutive game since injuring her right ankle in practice.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 3, 2026

The coach was calling me Slam in practice and he was working us all hard.

From "Slam!" by Walter Dean Myers