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

“We suspect this assertion of continued Iranian control over the strait will end up being symbolic in practice, but this is not a great outcome,” analysts at Wolfe Research said in a note.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 18, 2026

The most obvious but also perhaps the least important one, in its way, is that it won’t work in practice.

From Slate • Jun. 18, 2026

However, Harbaugh and McDaniel said Herbert is ramping up his throwing in practice with training camp looming.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 17, 2026

They say the US and Iran will establish a "mechanism" to monitor the implentation of the MoU and compliance with a future deal, though it is unclear what this will look like in practice.

From BBC • Jun. 17, 2026

This piece had been pretty rough in practice so far, but some days, you just click — we were supertight through the whole tune.

From "Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie" by Jordan Sonnenblick