be a force to be reckoned with

be a force to be reckoned with

To be strong, powerful, or difficult to defeat. They say the young boxer is a force to be reckoned with, so I'm betting he'll win the match tonight. The attorney may look petite and meek, but she's a force to be reckoned with in the courtroom.
See also: force, reckon
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • a force to be reckoned with
  • force to be reckoned with
  • a force to reckon with
  • reckon
  • to be reckoned with
  • (someone or something) to be reckoned with
  • force
  • tomato can
  • gamble on
  • gamble on (someone or something)
References in periodicals archive
WES YORK is confident Wrexham will be a force to be reckoned with when everything finally gels.
We've not been playing well but still picking up points, we'll be a force to be reckoned with when we gel
"They have some highly-talented individual players and if they can put it all together they can still be a force to be reckoned with.
Lennon praying for no injuries
Clichy insists the team have learned harsh lessons from their "mistakes" and with the addition of some fresh talent this summer will be a force to be reckoned with once again.
IN BRIEF: No mistakes next time says Clichy
"We have a great bunch of players here, and while the results in the last few games haven't gone for us, when this new squad gels we will be a force to be reckoned with."
Football: Vaughan turns down Boston
"But once we all find our feet, then I'm sure Newport are going to be a force to be reckoned with."
Rugby: Gary sure Newport can glitter
"He is also in the Champion Stakes and wherever he goes he will have to be a force to be reckoned with.
Spear aimed at Oz