Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
school of hard knocks
idiom
/skuːl əv hɑrd nɒks/
Definition
A phrase referring to the education and life lessons one gains through difficult experiences and challenges rather than through formal schooling.
Examples
- After years of struggling with various jobs, he finally graduated from the school of hard knocks.
- She learned valuable lessons in the school of hard knocks when she started her own business.
Meaning
The term emphasizes learning from real-life experiences, particularly those that are tough or challenging, highlighting the idea that practical life lessons can be as valuable as academic learning.
Synonyms
- life experience
- practical learning
- self-taught
- street smarts
