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

“We suspect this assertion of continued Iranian control over the strait will end up being symbolic in practice, but this is not a great outcome,” analysts at Wolfe Research said in a note.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 18, 2026

The most obvious but also perhaps the least important one, in its way, is that it won’t work in practice.

From Slate • Jun. 18, 2026

However, Harbaugh and McDaniel said Herbert is ramping up his throwing in practice with training camp looming.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 17, 2026

What does this idea look like in practice?

From Science Daily • Jun. 16, 2026

At the corral the stock horses snorted at us and rubbed their heads against the bars, and Specklebottom took a kick at a gelded friend just to keep in practice.

From "Travels with Charley in Search of America" by John Steinbeck