fact of life

fact of life

Something unpleasant that must be accepted because it cannot be changed. Gloomy, rainy days are just a fact of life for the British. Death is a fact of life.

See also: fact, life, of

facts of life

Knowledge of sexual reproduction, as in Some people feel that the facts of life should not be taught in school. [Late 1800s] Also see birds and the bees.

See also: fact, life, of

a fact of life

COMMON If you say that something is a fact of life, you mean that it is something that often happens and cannot be avoided, even if it is unpleasant. It is a fact of life that parents want their children to marry and have their own children. Falling prices have been a fact of life in the housing market.

See also: fact, life, of

a fact of life

something that must be accepted and cannot be changed, however unpalatable.

See also: fact, life, of

a ˌfact of ˈlife

something difficult or unpleasant that cannot be changed and has to be accepted or dealt with: Taxes are a fact of life. You just have to pay them. ♢ It is a fact of life that some people are born more intelligent than others.

See also: fact, life, of

facts of life

1. n. an explanation of human reproduction, especially as presented to a child. No one ever explained the facts of life to me. I read books about it.

2. n. the truth about life’s difficulties. You had better face up to the facts of life and get a job.

See also: fact, life, of