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.