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Meaning of learn the hard way | Babel Free

Verb CEFR C2

Definitions

To learn by experiencing the consequences of making mistakes.

Equivalents

Deutsch auf die harte Tour lernen
Español aprender a la mala aprender por las malas
Suomi oppia kantapään kautta oppia kantapään kautta ottaa opiksi
Français apprendre à la dure
Русский научи́ться на горьком опыте узна́ть на горьком опыте
中文 艰难地学到某事 艱難地學到某事 通过艰难困苦而学到 通過艱難困苦而學到

Examples

“Anyone who tries to cycle will learn⟳ the hard way that grazes are painful.”

CEFR level

C2
Mastery
This word is part of the CEFR C2 vocabulary — mastery level.
See all C2 English words →

See also

learn the ropes learn to walk before one can run learn'd learnd learne learned

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