Dic/ to be reckoned with

• This act was a signal to his victim's friends that he was someone to be reckoned with.
• Barcelona will be a force to be reckoned with this season.
• The principal was certainly a woman to be reckoned with.
• Since the government limited their powers, the unions are no longer a force to be reckoned with (= they are no longer very strong).
• Any invader would have the military might of NATO to reckon with.

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▷ If you say that there is someone or something to be reckoned with, you mean that they must be dealt with and it will be difficult.

▷ sb/sth to be reckoned with: someone or something that is powerful and must be regarded seriously as a possible opponent, competitor, danger etc.

▷ to be reckoned with: of considerable importance or influence.

▷ to be reckoned with: someone or something to be reckoned with is difficult to deal with because they are strong or powerful.

▷ have sb/sth to reckon with: to have to deal with someone or something powerful

.... COBUILD, LDOCE, COLLINS, CALD