FIND (SOMETHING) OUT THE HARD WAY

find (something) out the hard way: translation

learn (something) the hard way & find (something) out the hard way

to learn something by experience, especially by an unpleasant experience. (As opposed to learning in school, from reading, etc.) •

She learned how to make investments the hard way.

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I wish I didn't have to learn things the hard way.

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I found out the hard way that it's difficult to work and go to school at the same time.