【in force】 —

1. (of laws, statutes, etc.) operative or binding at the time:

• In the south this ancient custom still remains 【in force】 .

2. in large numbers:

• The enemy was 【in force】 , the regiment came under heavy rifle, machine gun and artillery fire.

3. in full command of one’s energies or abilities:

• Latterly Calvert was better, and able to go with us. He was 【in force】 again…

【in strength】 —

1. having great military power:

• Bonaparte was yet 【in strength】 to make face against the united armies of the remainder of Europe.

2. = 【in force】 2:

• The civilian population used to turn out 【in strength】 every evening to watch our guard mounting parade.

3. in number:

• The refugee camp has grown to 600 【in strength】 with many people being treated by the team medics for various illnesses.