in effect
1. Basically; in actuality. In effect, Hannah's been managing our department this whole time, just without a fancy title. I don't care who's listed as editor—I want to know which one of you, in effect, serves as editor. In effect, I'm filling John's position, yeah, but only for the week while he's out on vacation.
2. Having begun operating or taken effect. The new government has vowed to put several policies in effect, aimed at helping struggling citizens get by. The new law will be in effect on the first of January. Hey, I just got an alert on my phone—there's another tornado warning in effect.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
in effect
producing a particular effect; effectively. In effect, this new law will raise taxes for most people. This policy harms domestic manufacturers. In effect, all our clothing will be made in foreign countries.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
in effect
1. For all practical purposes, as in This testimony in effect contradicted her earlier statement. [Late 1500s]
2. In or into operation, as in
This law will be in effect in January. Related phrases include
go into effect and
take effect, which mean "become operative," as in
This law goes into effect January 1, or
It takes effect January 1. Similarly,
put into effect means "make operative," as in
When will the judge's ruling be put into effect? [Late 1700s] Also see
in force, def. 2.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
in efˈfect
in actual practice; in fact: They may seem different, but in effect, the two systems are almost identical.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
in effect
In essence; to all purposes: testimony that in effect contradicted her earlier statement.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.