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
Jevon Carter Carter found out the hard way that the grass isn’t always greener.
—
Brian Sampson, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
Lincoln learned the hard way that his castmate's translations aren't always accurate.
—Emlyn Travis Published, EW.com, 9 June 2025
Several victims in a number of states have found out the hard way.
—Matt Gerrell, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 May 2025
Could Homa then parlay that with a terrific day on Monday, and make it into the U.S. Open the hard way?
—Jack Milko, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for the hard way
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Brian Sampson, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
Lincoln learned the hard way that his castmate's translations aren't always accurate.
—Emlyn Travis Published, EW.com, 9 June 2025
Several victims in a number of states have found out the hard way.
—Matt Gerrell, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 May 2025
Could Homa then parlay that with a terrific day on Monday, and make it into the U.S. Open the hard way?
—Jack Milko, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 May 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 3 Jul. 2025.
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