the hard way
noun
: in a way that involves difficult or painful experiences
He found out the hard way that crime doesn't pay.
She insisted on doing things the hard way.
Examples of the hard way in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Former Farrow client Michael Mays found that out the hard way.
—
Ben Wieder, Miami Herald, 3 Mar. 2025
With inconsistent advice trickling down from a White House staffed by people who have recently shown a shaky grasp of economics and digital assets, the general population ends up having to learn the hard way.
—Dave Birnbaum, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
The Broncos found that out the hard way last month, hitting 14 3-pointers at Utah State yet still losing 81-79.
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 27 Feb. 2025
There's a right and wrong time to eat during an awards show, as Harrison Ford just learned the hard way.
—Brendan Morrow, USA TODAY, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for the hard way
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Ben Wieder, Miami Herald, 3 Mar. 2025
With inconsistent advice trickling down from a White House staffed by people who have recently shown a shaky grasp of economics and digital assets, the general population ends up having to learn the hard way.
—Dave Birnbaum, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
The Broncos found that out the hard way last month, hitting 14 3-pointers at Utah State yet still losing 81-79.
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 27 Feb. 2025
There's a right and wrong time to eat during an awards show, as Harrison Ford just learned the hard way.
—Brendan Morrow, USA TODAY, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for the hard way
Cite this Entry
“The hard way.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20hard%20way. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
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