in practice
1. As something actually is or is done in reality, as opposed to in theory. Yes, that was the hypothesis, but these things often turn out quite different in practice. In practice, that rule is not strictly enforced, so a lot of players get away with it. Sure, that's a great idea, but it would never work in practice. Do you know how much pushback you would get from the union?
2. In the state of being prepared due to having practiced something regularly, recently, or to a sufficient degree. I used to be able to do this with my eyes closed, but I'm really not in practice. I'm not in practice with knitting anymore, so I hope Grandma can refresh my memory. A: "I didn't know you could ice skate!" B: "Yeah, I learned as a kid, and then I recently decided to get back in practice."
3. Serving in a professional field, often as a doctor, attorney, etc. Dr. Johnson is retiring after having been in practice for more than 30 years. She looks like she only just graduated from med school! How long can she possibly have been in practice? I've been in practice a long time. I'm ready to pass things on to my son now.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
in practice
1. in the actual doing of something; in reality. Our policy is to be very particular, but in practice we don't care that much. The instructions say not to set it too high. In practice I always set it as high as possible.
2. well-rehearsed; well-practiced; well-exercised. The swimmer was not in practice and almost drowned. I play the piano for a living, and I have to keep in practice.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
in practice
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.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.