SINCE 1828
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hard-knock

adjective
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\ ˈhärd-ˈnäk How to pronounce hard-knock (audio) \

Definition of hard-knock

: marked by difficult or painful experiences or circumstances For all of his gifts, Cabrera's greatest strength may be a toughness that came from his hard-knock life.— Alan Shipnuck

First Known Use of hard-knock

1967, in the meaning defined above

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Time Traveler for hard-knock

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The first known use of hard-knock was in 1967

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Dictionary Entries Near hard-knock

hardishrew

hard-knock

hard knocks

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Cite this Entry

“Hard-knock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hard-knock. Accessed 29 Jun. 2022.

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