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lesson

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noun [countable] American English pronunciation: lesson /ˈles(ə)n/ 
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singularlesson
plurallessons
  1. 1
    a period of time in which someone is taught a skill

    a driving/dancing/swimming lesson

    She’s taking French lessons from a private tutor.

  2. 3
    something that you learn from life, an event, or an experience

    One of the most important lessons in life is the value of friendship.

    the lessons of war/history/experience

    1. a.
      a punishment or bad experience that teaches you something
      lesson in:

      I needed a lesson in humility and I got it.

      The second goal was a lesson in how not to defend a free kick.

      learn a lesson:

      I hope you’ve learned a lesson from this, young man!

      learn your lesson:

      People get into debt at such a young age that they have learned their lesson by the time they’re 23.

      teach someone a lesson (=punish someone):

      That girl needs teaching a lesson.

      let that be a lesson to you:

      Let that be a lesson to you not to play with matches!

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