a fact of life

fact of life

Something unpleasant that must be accepted because it cannot be changed. Gloomy, rainy days are just a fact of life for the British. Death is a fact of life.
See also: fact, life, of
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

a fact of life

COMMON If you say that something is a fact of life, you mean that it is something that often happens and cannot be avoided, even if it is unpleasant. It is a fact of life that parents want their children to marry and have their own children. Falling prices have been a fact of life in the housing market.
See also: fact, life, of
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

a fact of life

something that must be accepted and cannot be changed, however unpalatable.
See also: fact, life, of
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

a ˌfact of ˈlife

something difficult or unpleasant that cannot be changed and has to be accepted or dealt with: Taxes are a fact of life. You just have to pay them. It is a fact of life that some people are born more intelligent than others.
See also: fact, life, of
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • fact of life
  • facts of life
  • there's no help for (something)
  • there's no help for it
  • known fact
  • as it so happens
  • know for a fact
  • fact
  • as it happens
  • AAMOF
References in periodicals archive
This is a fact of life, and paying for college will likely require a higher percentage of family income than in the past.
What they don't know: you may think you know what's on the minds of your potential applicants and their families, but here's what's actually concerning college-bound students and their families today
It was a fact of life, like my Aunt Mabel's mustache.
KEEPING AN EYE OUT