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

But lawmakers and intelligence experts warn that the legal picture is murkier in practice, especially if telecommunications and technology companies decide they no longer have sufficient legal protection to comply with government demands.

From Barron's • Jun. 12, 2026

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

"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

“It’s unclear how voluntary this will stay and how voluntary it will be in practice as the AI labs try to maintain good relationships with the U.S. government,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 2, 2026

In seventh grade he had broken his leg in practice.

From "Friday Night Lights: A Town, A Team, And A Dream" by H.G. Bissinger