The idiom "school of hard knocks" refers to the difficult and challenging experiences that someone goes through in life, which can be seen as a form of education. It means that someone has learned important lessons through tough experiences rather than through formal education or training.
For example, if someone has had a difficult childhood and had to overcome many obstacles, they may be said to have attended the "school of hard knocks." Similarly, if someone has experienced a lot of setbacks in their career but has learned valuable lessons from them, they may be said to have graduated from the "school of hard knocks."
This idiom is used to describe someone who has gained knowledge and wisdom from difficult experiences, rather than from formal education or training. It is often used to praise someone who has overcome adversity and achieved success despite facing many challenges.
• Starting my own business taught me the lessons of the school of hard knocks, like the importance of cash flow and marketing.
• I didn't go to university, but I learned everything I know from the school of hard knocks.
• After failing the driving test three times, I finally passed thanks to the school of hard knocks.
• Having survived addiction and homelessness, I can say that the school of hard knocks taught me more than any formal education ever could.
• Growing up in a low-income neighborhood, I learned how to be street-smart from the school of hard knocks.
• Despite having a degree in journalism, I learned the most valuable lessons about the industry from the school of hard knocks.