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.

Most of us learn this by about third grade, when parents and hard knocks teach us how to figure out whom you can trust, and who will eat you for lunch.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 1, 2025

"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

But Ms Blessley says "it's not a museum piece" and has faced some hard knocks.

From BBC • Feb. 28, 2023

The Red Cross’ preliminary medical report and the city’s hospital say four people needed treatment in a hospital for hard knocks they received during Sunday’s early morning bull run.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 10, 2022

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

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