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 is surreal for all of us drivers," said American Kyle Kirkwood, second in practice with a lap at 56.691 seconds.

From Barron's ● Aug. 22, 2026

“That’s something we’ll all see. I imagine, from what I’ve seen in practice, it’s going to be pretty close. They’re both good.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 14, 2026

However, he is yet to spell out what an equivalent model for water would mean in practice.

From BBC ● Aug. 5, 2026

But the line between frauds and scams can be blurry in practice, according to a February letter that Lillie’s lawyer at the time sent to multiple Senate committees to describe her allegations.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 5, 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