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 in practice there are obstacles to this.

From BBC

Despite historical flaws in practice, it rests on the foundational claim that individuals have the right to choose their government and hold it accountable.

From Salon

"The exemptions mean lower tariffs in practice, but they also introduce a lot of uncertainty about how you get them."

From BBC

Healey said: "The depth of our defence relationship with the US is an essential part of our security, and today's seamlessly executed operation shows just how well this works in practice."

From BBC

But in practice, traders circumvent the ban by using VPNs, or virtual private networks, to mask which country they are from.

From The Wall Street Journal