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

Arvid Lindblad - 8 - Hugely down on laps in practice, knocked Verstappen out in Q2 and a brilliant start to the grand prix.

From BBC • Mar. 29, 2026

Their experience ranged from beginners to specialists with up to 40 years in practice.

From Science Daily • Mar. 26, 2026

Although Linda and Clay-and-Buck did try to argue that ICE agents would help TSA with security, their proposal makes little sense in practice.

From Salon • Mar. 25, 2026

For decades, closure of the strait was regarded as something that was conceivable in theory, but operationally improbable in practice, Morgan Stanley noted.

From Barron's • Mar. 24, 2026

But these days, of course, there are fewer and fewer donors left who I remember, and so in practice, I haven’t been choosing that much.

From "Never Let Me Go" by Kazuo Ishiguro