in effect
in effect {adv.} or {adj. phr.}
1. The same in meaning or result.
The teacher gave the same assignment, in effect, that she gave yesterday.
Helping your mother with the dishes is in effect earning your allowance.
2. Necessary to obey; being enforced.
The coach says that players must be in bed by midnight, and that rule is in effect tonight.
Syn.: IN FORCE.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
