Deadly/lethal force

When you use 'deadly force' or 'lethal force', you respond to something with an action that carries the risk of causing death or life-threatening injuries to somebody. The term is often used in a legal context.

Examples

• The only way to stop the criminal was through lethal force. That's why the police officer shot him.
• Paul used deadly force to protect his house from burglars.
• The President ordered that the police were to under no circumstances use lethal force to subdue the protesters.

(do something) By force

When you do something 'by force', you carry it out using physical power or direct methods, rather than by more subtle, peaceful means. 

Examples

• If you do not give me my keys back then I will be forced to take them by force.
• After negotiations to secure their release failed, the hostages were rescued by force.
• The police knew that the criminal had acquired most of his wealth by force, but could not prove it.

Force a smile/laugh

If you 'force a smile' or 'force a laugh', you make yourself do it, even though you do not feel like it.

Examples

• David's joke wasn't funny, but I forced a laugh so that I didn't offend him.
• When Kevin got the promotion ahead of me, I tried to force a smile so people didn't see how disappointed I really was.
• Jane pretended she was happy to see me but I knew she really wasn't. It was clearly a forced smile she gave me.

(law) Come into force

When something 'comes into force', it becomes valid, operational, or starts to exist.

Examples

• The new law is expected to come into force sometime this year.
• It would be easier if we could get the deal over the line before the new legislation comes into force next month.
• I didn't realize that parking restrictions outside the office came into force last week. Now my car has been clamped!

Force the issue

If you 'force the issue', you make somebody take an action or come to a decision about something.

Examples

• I've been letting my boss drag his feet about my pay rise for months now. I think it's time I tried to force the issue.
• The manager would not have done anything about the unpaid bonuses if staff had not forced the issue.
• Give the client more time to think things over. Forcing the issue is not going to get the deal done quicker.