hard knocks

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Dubois is a graduate of the literal school of hard knocks.

From BBC • Sep. 20, 2024

"Everyone loved her. I grew up with Tina Turner and she was a great woman to me, with a lot of sorrow too due to life's hard knocks but absolutely someone we could admire."

From Reuters • May 25, 2023

She competed in the men’s category that night, and lost her helmet from all the hard knocks but placed seventh out of more than 60 cars.

From New York Times • Oct. 3, 2022

“I’ve had a lot of hard knocks in my life, so I am mentally preparing myself” for the worst, Erickson said.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 2, 2022

Shasta cried only a very little; he was used to hard knocks.

From "The Horse and His Boy" by C.S. Lewis