Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: In great strength or numbers.
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
Idioms and fixed phrases often carry meanings that cannot be understood by translating the individual words literally. The expression in force, or be in force, appears in descriptions of laws, rules, and groups of people. In this question, you must select the option that captures the commonly used idiomatic meaning related to presence in large numbers or effective operation.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Idiom: Be in force.
- Options: To enjoy a short period of fame or power; In great strength or numbers; A hateful act done in a haste; Be the current winner.
- We assume the exam is testing the general idiomatic sense rather than a narrow legal definition.
Concept / Approach:
In English, the phrase in force has two main uses. One refers to laws or regulations that are currently valid and operating: The rule is still in force. The other use describes people present in large numbers, often written as out in force: Supporters were out in force. Among the given options, In great strength or numbers best reflects this idiomatic idea of many people present or of strong presence. The other options describe different concepts such as temporary fame or winning a competition, which do not match the phrase.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Verification / Alternative check:
Insert the meaning into typical sentences. The protestors were in force at the rally becomes The protestors were in great strength or numbers at the rally, which preserves the intended sense. The other options would change the meaning drastically and incorrectly. Similarly, if we think of the legal sense, a law in force is a law in strong effect or operation, which loosely links with the idea of strong presence, though the question focuses more on the numbers interpretation.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
To enjoy a short period of fame or power is wrong because it describes duration of recognition, not presence or effectiveness. A hateful act done in a haste is wrong because it refers to a single action, often emotional and negative, and has no link to in force. Be the current winner is wrong because being a winner is a competitive status, not a measure of how many people or laws are present or effective.
Common Pitfalls:
Some learners confuse in force with in power or in fashion, mixing up phrases that refer to authority or trends. Others try to interpret the phrase literally, imagining physical strength rather than presence or operation. The safest method is to connect in force with well known collocations like out in force for crowds and in force for laws whenever you see this idiom in exams or reading texts.
Final Answer:
The idiom be in force means in great strength or numbers, often referring to laws in effect or crowds present in large numbers.
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