hard knocks
plural noun
Definition of hard knocks
: rough unsparing treatment (as in use or in life) —often used in the phrase school of hard knocks
From the M-W Editors
1849
First Known Use of hard knocks
1849
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up hard knocks? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!