in force
Idioms-
In full strength, in large numbers, as in Demonstrators were out in force . This usage originally alluded to a large military force. [Early 1300s]
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Operative, binding, as in This rule is no longer in force . This usage originally alluded to the binding power of a law. [Late 1400s]
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Giving evidence Supt Simon Allardice rejected much of this but conceded there was opportunity for a fuller briefing after Calocane was arrested but a high alert level was still in force.
From BBC
She blames this, in part, on a reduction in force at the Department of Education.
From Salon
"We are going to turn out in force!" he said.
From Barron's
In plans where this is in force, 6.3% took withdrawals, in contrast to 4.9% in plans where the retirement plan is optional.
From MarketWatch
Wary of winds on Saturday morning, firefighters responded in force.
From Los Angeles Times
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
