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

While Kessler participated in practice Saturday after hitting his finger on the backboard, he was not in live drills.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 10, 2026

There is a contrast here between the professed desire for caution in theory and pedal to the metal in practice.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 7, 2026

"We welcome rigorous independent evaluation, but we do not believe Common Sense Media's testing accurately reflects how ChatGPT's teen safeguards work in practice or expert perspectives on how AI can support teens," he said.

From BBC ● Oct. 7, 2026

Reaves, who tweaked his ankle in practice, still went through his pregame warmup routine Monday.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 6, 2026

Now and then she tried to exchange a few words in French with the chef, to keep in practice, but the kitchen was always in an uproar.

From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood

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