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
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These customers learn the hard way in viral Tiktok
Adults ordering from the kid's menu more
The kids menu is also becoming a go-to choice for adult diners, according to the survey.
—
Betty Lin-Fisher, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2025
There are bound to be twists and turns throughout an 82-game season as the Magic learned the hard way last year.
—Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Aug. 2025
Robert MacIntyre learned that the hard way Sunday at the BMW Championship at Caves Valley in Owings Mills.
—Bennett Conlin, Baltimore Sun, 17 Aug. 2025
Other cities have learned the hard way that political posturing can come with a steep price when federal dollars dry up.
—Mike Carroll, Oc Register, 17 Aug. 2025
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Betty Lin-Fisher, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2025
There are bound to be twists and turns throughout an 82-game season as the Magic learned the hard way last year.
—Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Aug. 2025
Robert MacIntyre learned that the hard way Sunday at the BMW Championship at Caves Valley in Owings Mills.
—Bennett Conlin, Baltimore Sun, 17 Aug. 2025
Other cities have learned the hard way that political posturing can come with a steep price when federal dollars dry up.
—Mike Carroll, Oc Register, 17 Aug. 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 25 Aug. 2025.
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