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university of life

idiom
Meaning

The real world as a source of instruction, as opposed to a formal education.


Examples
SIMPLE

He learned his best lessons at the university of life.

CONTEXTUAL

She never finished her degree, but she gained plenty of wisdom from the university of life while traveling.

COMPLEX

While his peers studied theory in lecture halls, he attended the university of life, where practical experience proved far more valuable than any textbook.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    beg for one's life

    To plead or make a desperate attempt to continue with what one has been doing.

  2. 02

    bread of life

    Anything which is regarded as a source or inspiration of spiritual nourishment.

  3. 03

    bring back to life

    To return someone to a state of consciousness or living after a state of unconsciousness, death or near-death.

  4. 04

    cat and dog life

    An unhappy married life marked by arguments and disagreements.

  5. 05

    change of life

    Menopause.

  6. 06

    charmed life

    A life in which one is always lucky and safe from danger.

  7. 07

    claim someone's life

    To lead to someone's death.

  8. 08

    come to life

    To become alive, to be given life; to be brought into existence.

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