school of hard knocks

== English == === Pronunciation === === Noun === school of hard knocks (plural schools of hard knocks) (countable, idiomatic, chiefly US) The source of an education consisting of real-world experiences, especially adverse experiences. [1870] Synonyms: university of hard knocks, university of life, university of the streets ==== Translations ==== === See also === experience is the best teacher learn from experience learn the hard way life lesson