1
general::
Phrase(s): 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. wellrehearsed; 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.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
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.
American Heritage Idioms