out in large numbers
Appearing or operating in large numbers. It was a beautiful day, but the bees were out in large numbers. People are out in large numbers at city hall today to protest the mayor's controversial plan.
*out in large numbers
and *out in drovesFig. in evidence in some large amount. (*Typically: be ~; Come ~.) The sidewalk salesmen are out in droves today. The ants were out in large numbers at the picnic.