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

The Houston Rockets will be without Kevin Durant in Game 1 against the Lakers on Saturday, Houston coach Ime Udoka said, because of lingering soreness after Durant bumped knees in practice this week.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 18, 2026

But in practice, besides American oil traders, no one appears to be celebrating or taking this too seriously just yet.

From Slate • Apr. 17, 2026

But in practice, it often does the opposite.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 7, 2026

It points to histories of performance where gender was fluid in practice, if not always in name.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

Smasher chased the chickens a little to keep in practice in case there should ever be sheep to herd.

From "The Red Pony" by John Steinbeck