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

See Examples For:

in practice

This week, traders from Goldman Sachs and Citadel Securities, traded mock symbols in practice runs on the Texas Stock Exchange.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 11, 2026

There are also plans for a pilot programme in mid-2027 to test how the digital euro would work in practice if there is an agreement by the end of the year.

From Barron's ● Jul. 9, 2026

But what will this actually look like in practice?

From Slate ● Jul. 6, 2026

I name them only to show what the category looks like in practice.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 6, 2026

Ben knew that the exile was almost over, that his term of loneliness would be shortened the first time he touched the ball in practice.

From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy