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

Fighters from units designated by the U.S. as terrorist organizations aren’t supposed to be paid salaries, but in practice there is overlap between official militias and rogue groups.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 8, 2026

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

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 6, 2026

But that sounds better on paper than in practice for the proposal's critics.

From Barron's ● Jul. 6, 2026

But what will this actually look like in practice?

From Slate ● Jul. 6, 2026

Did great in practice, Coach P. said I was an animal.

From "The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman" by Gennifer Choldenko