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

She waited until they were in secondary school before giving them mobile phones, but questioned how the initiative would work in practice.

From BBC

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

From Literature

Having a whole country on your knee was weird enough in theory, but it was all kinds of awkward in practice.

From Literature

However, it is an indicator of how laws and regulations governing employers and services are being interpreted in practice.

From BBC

It is still unclear what the Board of Peace would do in practice.

From The Wall Street Journal