facts of life

plural noun

1. the details of sexual behaviour and reproduction, esp as told to children

Idioms and Phrases

Knowledge of sexual reproduction, as in Some people feel that the facts of life should not be taught in school. [Late 1800s] Also see birds and the bees.

Example Sentences

Sooner or later, those feelings — and the economic facts of life — may catch up with the president.

From Salon

Their speed is altering fundamental facts of life—things as basic as time and space.

From Literature

After hearing the late CBS basketball commentator Billy Packer admonish college coaches to recognize the hot hand phenomenon, a friend of mine sent him my textbook summary of Gilovich’s team’s facts of life.

From Scientific American

“Something that happens to you, when you have some sort of disability that changes your awareness, that changes your interaction with facts of life,” Simon said, reflecting on his hearing loss.

From Los Angeles Times

Maybe it’s just me, but I’m not sure these qualify as the most basic facts of life.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• article 
• case 
• circumstance 
• fact 
• specific