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

But questions remain about how these two boards would work in practice and what the consequences would be for those living in the islands.

From BBC ● Sep. 6, 2026

But if you look at other measures such as the amount of treatment being done, the numbers are still down, although not as steep as the fall in practice numbers.

From BBC ● Aug. 23, 2026

But in practice, the impact could be limited.

From Barron's ● Aug. 20, 2026

But even if we ignore the self-interest of critics and assume that forward guidance was created with good intentions, it simply doesn’t work in practice.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 16, 2026

In the bedrooms the reverse of ordinary procedure was in practice.

From "Cannery Row" by John Steinbeck