hard knocks

[ hahrd noks ]

plural noun

1. adversity or hardships:

   Wouldn't it be lovely to be able to learn life's hard lessons without life's hard knocks?

   Growing up in the Depression, my grandfather had his share of hard knocks.

Example Sentences

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

From BBC

"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

It took a lot of hard knocks to get through to him, and it was at one of his lowest points when he reconnected, somewhat drunkenly, with Ted.

From Salon

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

From BBC

Australian rugby league in the early 1990s was an unforgiving school of hard knocks, tough men and scant sympathy.

From BBC