hard way, the

Idioms and Phrases

By bad or difficult experiences; also, by one's own efforts. For example, Bill found out the hard way that interest on his credit-card debt can mount up fast , or No one can teach you how—you'll just have to learn it the hard way . This expression comes from shooting craps (a dice game), where it refers to making an even-numbered point such as six by throwing doubles (two three's). Since there are more unmatching combinations that can produce the same number (four and two, five and one), the odds against throwing doubles are higher, hence the difficulty. [Early 1900s]

Example Sentences

He and his party learned it the hard way.

From Slate

But there will be no quick fixes, and as was the case with the fall of Roe, Americans may have to learn the hard way that ballot measures alone won’t be enough to save them.

From Slate

San Francisco Mayor London Breed says she’s learned the hard way that, when it comes to running a city, compassion has its limits.

From Los Angeles Times

Gyokeres has done things the hard way, railing against doubters throughout his career.

From BBC

Both Meta and OpenAI have already been learning that the hard way.

From Slate