force

be a force to be reckoned with

if an organization or person is a force to be reckoned with, they are very powerful. The Scottish team's performance last month shows that they are once again a force to be reckoned with.

See also: reckon

be out in force

to be present in large numbers. The Prince's young supporters were out in force.

force someone's hand

to make someone do something or to make someone do something sooner than they want to. I'm sure they don't want to reduce the price but if you threaten to pull out of the sale that might force their hand.

See also: hand

force of habit

if someone does something from force of habit, they do it without thinking because they have done it so often before. Even though he's gone she still keeps laying the table for two - force of habit, I guess.

See also: habit

in full force

if a group of people are at a place in full force, all of them are there. Heidi's side of the family were there in full force but Bill's brother was the only one to show up.

See also: full

a tour de force

a performance or achievement which shows a lot of skill and which is admired by a lot of people. His performance as Richard III was a brilliant tour de force.

See also: tour

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force someone's hand

to make someone do something before they are ready. Information dug up in the investigation forced the president's hand, and he resigned much sooner than anyone expected.

See also: hand

a force to be reckoned with

a powerful and influential person or thing. In my new job, I felt like a force to be reckoned with.

See also: reckon

in force

in effect and in use. The law has been in force for two years.

Usage notes: used when referring to laws, rules, agreements, and systems

in full force

with all members of a particular group present. The firefighters turned up for the funeral in full force to pay tribute to their chief.

See also: full