Top 57 Slang For Practice – Meaning & Usage

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1. Perfect your craft

This phrase encourages individuals to continuously work on and refine their abilities in a specific craft or skill. It implies the need for dedication and persistence in order to achieve excellence.

For example, a musician might say, “To become a great guitarist, you need to practice every day and perfect your craft.”
A writer might advise, “If you want to be a successful author, you have to perfect your craft by writing consistently and seeking feedback.”
A chef might emphasize, “To become a master in the kitchen, you must perfect your craft by experimenting with different ingredients and techniques.”

2. Keep at it

This phrase is used to encourage someone to persevere and continue their efforts despite challenges or setbacks. It implies the importance of not giving up and staying determined.

For instance, a coach might motivate their team by saying, “Keep at it, we can still win this game!”
A student struggling with a difficult subject might tell themselves, “I need to keep at it and study harder.”
A person working towards a fitness goal might remind themselves, “Even when it gets tough, I have to keep at it and push through.”

3. Nail it

This phrase is used to describe successfully completing a task or achieving a goal with great accuracy and skill. It implies a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.

For example, a dancer might say, “I’ve been practicing this routine for weeks, and I finally nailed it during the performance.”
A presenter might exclaim, “I was nervous, but I nailed my presentation and received great feedback.”
A chef might proudly announce, “I nailed the recipe for this dish, it turned out absolutely delicious!”

4. Ace

This term is used to describe someone who excels or succeeds in a particular activity or task. It implies a high level of proficiency and mastery.

For instance, a student who gets a perfect score on a test might say, “I aced the exam!”
A golfer who hits a hole-in-one might exclaim, “I aced that shot!”
A person who successfully completes a difficult challenge might boast, “I aced the obstacle course, it was tough but I did it!”

5. Hone

This word is used to describe the process of refining and improving one’s skills or abilities through practice and dedication. It implies the need for continuous learning and development.

For example, a painter might say, “I spend hours every day honing my brushstrokes and technique.”
A musician might explain, “To become a better pianist, I need to hone my skills by practicing scales and exercises.”
A writer might advise, “Hone your storytelling skills by reading and analyzing the works of great authors.”

6. Polish

To improve or perfect something through practice or repetition. “Polish” is often used to describe the act of refining a skill or technique.

For example, a musician might say, “I need to polish my piano playing before the recital.”
A coach might tell an athlete, “Keep practicing and you’ll polish your form.”
A dancer might say, “I spent hours in the studio polishing my routine for the performance.”

7. Master

To achieve a high level of skill or proficiency in a particular area through dedicated practice and experience. “Master” is often used to describe the act of reaching a level of expertise.

For instance, a martial artist might say, “I’ve been training for years to master this technique.”
A chef might say, “I’ve finally mastered the art of making soufflés.”
A writer might say, “It took me years to master the craft of storytelling.”

8. Drill

A focused and repetitive exercise or practice routine designed to improve a specific skill or technique. “Drill” is often used to describe a structured practice session.

For example, a basketball coach might say, “We’re going to do shooting drills to improve your accuracy.”
A military trainer might say, “Soldiers need to go through rigorous drill exercises to build discipline.”
A musician might say, “I need to do scales and arpeggios as part of my daily drill.”

9. Grind

To work hard and persistently at something, often with a focus on achieving a specific goal. “Grind” is often used to describe the act of putting in consistent effort.

For instance, a student might say, “I’ve been grinding all week to prepare for the exam.”
A startup founder might say, “Building a successful company requires years of grinding.”
A fitness enthusiast might say, “I hit the gym every day and grind to improve my strength.”

10. Perfect

To reach a state of flawlessness or excellence through continuous practice and refinement. “Perfect” is often used to describe the act of achieving the highest level of proficiency.

For example, a dancer might say, “I want to perfect my technique before the performance.”
A chef might say, “I’m working on perfecting this recipe to make it truly exceptional.”
A musician might say, “I’ve practiced for hours to perfect this piece for the concert.”

11. Rehearse

Rehearsing involves practicing or repeating a task or performance in order to improve or perfect it. It is commonly used in the context of performing arts, such as rehearsing a play or a dance routine.

For example, a theater director might say, “Let’s rehearse the opening scene again, focusing on our timing and delivery.”
A musician preparing for a concert might say, “I need to rehearse my solo piano piece to make sure I have it memorized.”
A sports team might have a practice session where they rehearse specific plays and strategies.

12. Sharpen

To sharpen means to improve or enhance one’s skills or abilities through practice or training. It is often used metaphorically to describe the process of becoming better or more proficient at something.

For instance, a writer might say, “I need to sharpen my storytelling skills by reading more books and practicing writing every day.”
A basketball player might say, “I’ve been working hard to sharpen my shooting accuracy and ball-handling skills.”
A chef might say, “I’m constantly experimenting with new recipes and techniques to sharpen my culinary skills.”

13. Train

To train means to engage in deliberate practice or instruction in order to acquire or improve skills. It involves a structured and focused approach to learning and developing specific abilities.

For example, an athlete might say, “I train for several hours every day to improve my speed, strength, and agility.”
A software developer might say, “I attended a coding bootcamp to train in web development and gain practical skills.”
A dog owner might say, “I’m working with a professional dog trainer to train my dog to follow basic commands.”

14. Refine

To refine means to make small improvements or adjustments to enhance the quality or performance of something. It involves a process of fine-tuning and perfecting.

For instance, a painter might say, “I’m refining the details of this portrait to capture the subject’s likeness more accurately.”
A chef might say, “I’m constantly refining my recipes by adjusting the seasoning and presentation to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.”
A designer might say, “I’m refining the prototype based on user feedback to improve the user experience.”

15. Develop

To develop means to progress or advance in skill or ability through practice and experience. It involves a gradual process of growth and improvement.

For example, a young musician might say, “I’ve been practicing every day to develop my technique and musicality.”
A software engineer might say, “I’m constantly learning new programming languages and technologies to develop my skills.”
A dancer might say, “I’ve been taking ballet classes for years to develop my strength, flexibility, and artistry.”

16. Enhance

To make something better or more effective. In the context of practice, “enhance” means to improve one’s skills or abilities through deliberate effort and focus.

For example, a coach might say, “Focus on enhancing your footwork during this drill.”
A musician might practice a difficult passage repeatedly to enhance their performance.
A student might use online resources to enhance their understanding of a subject.

17. Improve

To make progress or become better at something. In the context of practice, “improve” means to enhance one’s skills or abilities through consistent effort and dedication.

For instance, a basketball player might work on their shooting technique to improve their accuracy.
A writer might revise their work multiple times to improve the quality of their writing.
A language learner might practice speaking with native speakers to improve their fluency.

18. Reps

Short for repetitions, “reps” refers to the number of times an exercise or task is repeated during practice. It is often used in fitness and sports contexts.

For example, a weightlifter might aim to do 10 reps of a certain exercise.
A coach might instruct their team, “We need to do more reps of this drill to improve our performance.”
A musician might practice a difficult passage by playing it in repeated reps.

19. Session

A period of time dedicated to practicing a skill or activity. In the context of practice, a “session” refers to a focused practice period with a specific goal or objective.

For instance, a soccer team might have a practice session to work on their passing and teamwork.
A musician might have a practice session to learn a new piece of music.
A student might have a study session to review for an upcoming exam.

20. Grindstone

Refers to the act of working hard and putting in effort to achieve a goal. In the context of practice, “grindstone” is often used to emphasize the importance of consistent and dedicated practice.

For example, a coach might say, “Keep your nose to the grindstone and you’ll see improvement.”
A musician might describe their practice routine as “putting their nose to the grindstone.”
A student might say, “I need to hit the grindstone and study for this test.”

21. Woodshedding

Woodshedding refers to the act of practicing a musical instrument or skill intensely and in isolation. The term originates from the idea of a musician locking themselves in a woodshed to practice without distraction.

For example, a jazz musician might say, “I need to spend some time woodshedding these new chord progressions.”
A guitarist preparing for a performance might say, “I’ve been woodshedding this solo for hours.”
A music teacher might advise their student, “If you want to improve your technique, dedicate some time to woodshedding every day.”

22. Shedding

Shedding is a slang term used in jazz and other musical genres to describe the act of improvising or creating music spontaneously. It refers to the shedding of inhibitions and allowing the music to flow freely.

For instance, a saxophonist might say, “I love shedding over this funky groove.”
A drummer discussing a jam session might say, “We were all shedding together and creating some amazing music.”
A pianist might encourage their bandmates by saying, “Let’s shed on this section and see where it takes us.”

23. Jamming

Jamming refers to an informal musical performance or session where musicians come together to play and improvise. It often involves a collaborative and spontaneous approach to making music.

For example, a guitarist might say, “I had a great time jamming with some friends last night.”
A bassist discussing a jam session might say, “We were all locked into a groove and just jamming for hours.”
A singer might invite others by saying, “Anyone up for some jamming tonight? Bring your instruments!”

24. Shed

In the context of music, a shed refers to a practice session or rehearsal. It is a slang term commonly used by musicians to describe the act of practicing alone or with a band.

For instance, a drummer might say, “I have a shed scheduled for tomorrow to work on my fills.”
A guitarist discussing their routine might say, “I try to have a shed every morning to warm up and work on my technique.”
A music teacher might advise their student, “Make sure to have regular sheds to improve your skills and develop your musicality.”

25. Chops

Chops is a slang term used to describe a musician’s technical ability and skill level. It refers to the proficiency and dexterity with which a musician can play their instrument.

For example, a trumpet player might say, “He’s got some serious chops on that instrument.”
A guitarist discussing a solo might say, “I’ve been working on my chops to nail that fast run.”
A music critic might praise a performer by saying, “Her chops are incredible. She can play anything with ease.”

26. Woodshed

This term originates from musicians who would retreat to a woodshed to practice without interruption or distraction. It has since been adopted as a slang term for any type of focused and dedicated practice.

For example, a basketball player might say, “I need to go woodshed my free throws before the game.”
A musician might say, “I spent hours woodshedding that difficult guitar solo.”
Someone preparing for a presentation might say, “I’m going to woodshed my speech until it’s perfect.”

27. Shedder

A “shedder” is someone who spends a significant amount of time practicing and honing their skills. This term can apply to any field or activity that requires practice.

For instance, a dancer might say, “She’s a real shedder, always working to improve her technique.”
A musician might say, “He’s a shedder on the saxophone, constantly pushing himself to new levels.”
A chef might say, “Becoming a great cook requires dedication and being a shedder in the kitchen.”

28. Repetition

Repetition is a fundamental aspect of practice. It involves performing the same action or exercise multiple times to improve muscle memory and skill.

For example, a golfer might say, “I need to do more repetitions of my swing to improve my accuracy.”
A dancer might say, “Repetition is key to mastering complex choreography.”
A language learner might say, “I’m going to do repetitions of these vocabulary words until they stick.”

29. Skill-building

Skill-building refers to actively engaging in activities and exercises to improve one’s abilities in a specific area. It involves deliberate practice and a focus on developing specific skills.

For instance, a basketball player might say, “I’m dedicating this summer to skill-building to become a better player.”
A writer might say, “Reading and writing every day is essential for skill-building in the craft.”
A programmer might say, “Working on coding projects is an important part of skill-building in the tech industry.”

30. Run-through

A run-through is a practice session or rehearsal where a specific task or performance is executed from beginning to end without interruption. It allows individuals or groups to practice and refine their skills in a more realistic setting.

For example, a theater actor might say, “Let’s do one more run-through of the scene before the show.”
A musician might say, “We need to schedule a run-through of the concert repertoire.”
A presenter might say, “I’m going to do a run-through of my presentation to make sure the timing is right.”

31. Warm-up

This refers to a set of exercises or activities done before engaging in a physical or mental task to prepare the body or mind for the main activity.

For example, before a workout, one might say, “I need to do some warm-up exercises to loosen up my muscles.”
In music, a musician might say, “I always do a warm-up on my instrument before performing.”
Before a presentation, someone might say, “I like to do a warm-up by practicing my opening lines.”

32. Muscle memory

This term refers to the ability of the muscles to remember and perform a particular movement or action without conscious effort. It is developed through repetitive practice.

For instance, a dancer might say, “After years of training, the steps became ingrained in my muscle memory.”
A musician might say, “I can play that song without even thinking about it. It’s all muscle memory now.”
A sports player might say, “I’ve practiced that move so many times that it’s become second nature. It’s all muscle memory.”

33. Hitting the woodshed

This phrase is used to describe a period of dedicated and intensive practice, often in a secluded or private setting. It implies a focused and disciplined approach to improving one’s skills.

For example, a musician might say, “I need to hit the woodshed and practice my scales.”
A basketball player might say, “I spent hours hitting the woodshed to perfect my jump shot.”
A writer might say, “I’m going to the coffee shop to hit the woodshed and work on my novel.”

34. Noodling

This term refers to a relaxed and informal approach to practicing, often without a specific goal or structure. It implies a more playful and exploratory style of practice.

For instance, a guitarist might say, “I spent the afternoon just noodling around on my guitar.”
A painter might say, “I like to start my day by doodling and noodling with different colors.”
A basketball player might say, “During practice, we spend some time just noodling around and experimenting with different moves.”

35. Shed time

This phrase is used to refer to a dedicated period of time set aside for practice. It emphasizes the idea of secluding oneself in a private space to focus on improving one’s skills.

For example, a dancer might say, “I need to schedule some shed time to work on my technique.”
A chef might say, “I spend my mornings in the kitchen, using it as my shed time to experiment with new recipes.”
A writer might say, “I try to have a daily shed time where I can work on my writing without distractions.”

36. Grind it out

This phrase is used to describe the act of persisting and working hard towards a goal, often in a challenging or difficult situation.

For example, a coach might say, “We need to grind it out and give our best effort until the end of the game.”
A student preparing for exams might say, “I have to grind it out and study all night to ace this test.”
A musician practicing for a performance might say, “I need to grind it out and perfect this difficult passage.”

37. Drill sergeant

This term refers to a tough and demanding instructor, often in a military or training context. A drill sergeant is known for their strict discipline and high expectations.

For instance, a soldier might say, “The drill sergeant pushed us to our limits during basic training.”
Someone describing a strict teacher might say, “My math teacher is like a drill sergeant, always making sure we follow the rules.”
A coach with a tough coaching style might be compared to a drill sergeant, with a player saying, “Coach is like a drill sergeant, always pushing us to improve.”

38. Practice regimen

This term refers to a structured practice routine or schedule. It involves setting specific goals and dedicating time and effort to practice regularly.

For example, a professional athlete might have a practice regimen that includes specific drills and exercises to improve their skills.
A musician might have a practice regimen that involves practicing scales, technique, and learning new pieces.
Someone trying to improve their language skills might create a practice regimen that includes daily vocabulary exercises and conversation practice.

39. Jam

In a musical context, “jam” refers to an informal session where musicians play together, often improvising and experimenting with different styles and musical ideas.

For instance, a group of friends might get together to jam and play their favorite songs.
Musicians at a festival might join in a jam session on stage, taking turns to solo and showcase their skills.
A guitarist might say, “I love jamming with other musicians because it allows me to explore new musical ideas and techniques.”

40. Workout

This term refers to a physical exercise session or routine. It typically involves activities such as cardio, strength training, and stretching.

For example, someone might say, “I’m going to the gym for a workout to stay fit and healthy.”
A fitness enthusiast might share their workout routine, saying, “My workout includes a mix of weightlifting and HIIT exercises.”
A person trying to lose weight might say, “I need to increase the intensity of my workouts to reach my fitness goals.”

41. Get in reps

This phrase is commonly used in sports and fitness to refer to the act of performing a specific exercise or movement multiple times to improve skill or build strength. “Get in reps” emphasizes the importance of consistency and dedicated practice.

For example, a coach might say, “Make sure you get in reps of shooting drills every day.”
A fitness instructor might encourage their clients, “If you want to see progress, you need to get in reps of these exercises.”
A teammate might motivate each other, saying, “Let’s get in reps during practice so we can dominate in the game.”

42. Go through the motions

This phrase is often used to describe someone who is going through the actions or motions of a task without putting in genuine effort or enthusiasm. It implies a lack of motivation or dedication to the practice at hand.

For instance, a coach might criticize a player, saying, “You need to give it your all during practice instead of just going through the motions.”
A colleague might comment on a coworker’s lack of enthusiasm, saying, “He’s been going through the motions at work lately.”
A student might reflect on their studying habits, admitting, “I need to stop going through the motions and actually focus on my learning.”

43. Put in the work

This phrase emphasizes the importance of dedicating time and effort to practice in order to achieve a desired outcome or improvement. “Put in the work” suggests that success does not come easily and requires consistent and focused practice.

For example, a coach might motivate their team, saying, “If you want to win, you need to put in the work during practice.”
A musician might share their journey, saying, “I spent years putting in the work to master this instrument.”
A mentor might advise their mentee, saying, “Success doesn’t happen overnight. You have to put in the work to achieve your goals.”

44. Run the drills

This phrase is commonly used in sports to refer to the act of practicing specific exercises or movements that are designed to improve skills and coordination. “Run the drills” implies a structured and organized practice routine.

For instance, a coach might instruct their team, saying, “We’re going to run the drills to work on our passing accuracy.”
A player might discuss their training regimen, saying, “I spend hours running the drills to improve my footwork.”
A sports commentator might analyze a player’s performance, saying, “He executed the play perfectly because he’s been running the drills consistently.”

45. Hit the practice field

This phrase is often used in sports to describe the act of participating in practice sessions or activities on the field. “Hit the practice field” suggests a sense of physicality and active involvement in practice.

For example, a coach might announce, “It’s time to hit the practice field and work on our game plan.”
A player might share their excitement, saying, “I can’t wait to hit the practice field and improve my skills.”
A fan might ask a player about their practice routine, saying, “What do you do when you hit the practice field to prepare for a game?”

46. Work the kinks out

This phrase means to identify and resolve any problems or issues that may be hindering progress or performance. It is often used in reference to physical or technical skills that need improvement.

For example, a coach might say, “Let’s work the kinks out of your swing before the game.”
A musician might practice a challenging passage repeatedly to “work the kinks out” and play it smoothly.
A dancer might focus on correcting their technique and posture to “work the kinks out” of their routine.

47. Practice like you play

This phrase emphasizes the importance of treating practice sessions as seriously as actual performances. It suggests that the way one practices directly affects their ability to perform well in a real situation.

For instance, a basketball coach might tell their players, “Practice like you play, so you’ll be prepared for the game.”
A musician might practice a piece at full speed and with emotion to simulate a live performance.
A public speaker might practice their speech with the same energy and enthusiasm they would use in front of an audience.

48. Practice with purpose

This phrase emphasizes the importance of practicing with a clear objective or purpose in mind. It suggests that aimless or unfocused practice is less effective than deliberate and intentional practice.

For example, a tennis player might focus on improving their backhand during practice, practicing with purpose to strengthen that specific skill.
A student might set a goal to memorize a certain number of vocabulary words during their study session, practicing with purpose to achieve that goal.
A dancer might practice a challenging routine with the intention of perfecting their timing and coordination, practicing with purpose to enhance their performance.

49. Practice makes progress

This phrase emphasizes the idea that regular and dedicated practice is essential for making progress and becoming better at a particular skill or activity. It suggests that improvement comes with time and effort.

For instance, a language learner might repeat vocabulary and grammar exercises daily, understanding that practice makes progress in language proficiency.
A musician might practice scales and technical exercises regularly, recognizing that practice makes progress in their playing ability.
An athlete might engage in daily drills and conditioning, knowing that practice makes progress in their physical performance.

50. Put in the reps

This phrase refers to the act of performing a specific action or exercise repeatedly in order to improve proficiency or build muscle memory. It suggests that repetition is key to mastering a skill.

For example, a weightlifter might be advised to “put in the reps” to build strength and muscle mass.
A basketball player might practice shooting free throws over and over again to “put in the reps” and improve their accuracy.
A dancer might practice a complex dance routine repeatedly to “put in the reps” and refine their technique.

51. Practice with perseverance

This phrase emphasizes the importance of continuing to practice even when faced with difficulties or setbacks. It encourages individuals to maintain their determination and not give up.

For example, a coach might say, “Success in any field requires practice with perseverance.”
A motivational speaker might inspire their audience by saying, “You can achieve anything if you practice with perseverance.”
A musician might share their personal experience, “I faced many rejections before finally succeeding, but I kept practicing with perseverance.”

52. Practice with patience

This phrase highlights the need to approach practice with a calm and patient mindset. It emphasizes the importance of giving oneself enough time to learn and improve, without rushing the process.

For instance, a teacher might advise their students, “Remember to practice with patience. Mastery takes time.”
A sports coach might remind their team, “Don’t get frustrated if you don’t see immediate results. Keep practicing with patience.”
A dancer might share their journey, “I used to get frustrated with slow progress, but now I understand the value of practicing with patience.”

53. Practice with discipline

This phrase emphasizes the need for a structured and focused approach to practice. It highlights the importance of setting goals, creating a routine, and staying committed to the practice.

For example, a martial arts instructor might say, “To excel in martial arts, you must practice with discipline.”
A writer might share their process, “I set aside specific hours each day to write. It’s all about practicing with discipline.”
A musician might advise their students, “Create a practice schedule and stick to it. Practice with discipline to see real progress.”

54. Practice with consistency

This phrase emphasizes the importance of practicing regularly and consistently. It highlights the idea that progress is achieved through small, consistent efforts over time.

For instance, a language learner might say, “I’ve been practicing with consistency, and now I can hold basic conversations.”
A fitness trainer might encourage their clients, “Remember, it’s not about intense workouts once in a while. Practice with consistency to see long-term results.”
A chef might share their experience, “I spent years practicing with consistency to perfect my culinary skills.”

55. Practice with resilience

This phrase emphasizes the ability to recover quickly from difficulties or failures. It highlights the importance of staying strong and determined in the face of challenges.

For example, an athlete might say, “I faced many injuries, but I kept practicing with resilience and came back stronger.”
A businessperson might share their journey, “I experienced multiple failures before finding success. It’s all about practicing with resilience.”
A dancer might advise their peers, “Don’t let setbacks discourage you. Practice with resilience and keep moving forward.”

56. Practice with creativity

This phrase encourages practicing with a creative and innovative approach. It suggests exploring different methods and ideas to enhance one’s skills.

For example, a music teacher might tell a student, “Don’t be afraid to practice with creativity. Experiment with different rhythms and improvisations.”
A coach might advise an athlete, “Try practicing with creativity. Incorporate unconventional drills and techniques to improve your performance.”
A dancer might say, “I always practice with creativity. I choreograph my own routines and incorporate unique movements.”

57. Practice with joy

This phrase emphasizes finding joy and pleasure in the act of practicing. It encourages embracing the journey and finding fulfillment in the progress made.

For instance, a language learner might say, “I practice with joy by immersing myself in movies and books in the target language.”
A musician might share, “I always practice with joy. I choose songs I love to play and find happiness in the music.”
A painter might express, “Practicing with joy allows me to fully express my creativity and enjoy the process of creating art.”