bring to bear — to use available power, pressure, influence, or resources in order to achieve a particular result
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to use available power, pressure, influence, or resources in order to achieve a particular result
Pronunciation (IPA): /brɪŋ tə bɛr/
Example Sentences
- The lawyer brought all her legal expertise to bear on the tricky inheritance case.
- My mom brought her scariest death-glare to bear the moment she caught me eating cookies before dinner.
- The company brought significant pressure to bear on its suppliers to lower prices.
bring to bear
VERB[/brɪŋ tə bɛr/]
to use available power, pressure, influence, or resources in order to achieve a particular result
The engineers bring to bear every tool they have to save the collapsing bridge.
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The verb 'bear' derives from Old English 'beran', meaning 'to carry' or 'to hold'. During the Middle English period, 'bear on' or 'bear upon' evolved to mean 'to exert pressure' or 'to have influence'. The phrase 'bring to bear' subsequently developed as a compound construction, meaning 'to bring force or influence to act upon a target'.
Breakdown
bring (to carry/convey) + to (toward/upon) + bear (to apply pressure, exert influence). The construction combines the transitive verb 'bring' with the prepositional phrase 'to bear', where 'bear' itself derives from Old English 'beran' (to carry, to hold).
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The lawyer brought all her legal expertise to bear on the tricky inheritance case.”
“My mom brought her scariest death-glare to bear the moment she caught me eating cookies before dinner.”
“The company brought significant pressure to bear on its suppliers to lower prices.”
“He brought every ounce of strength to bear to lift the boulder, grunting like an actual bear.”
“Scientists brought advanced technology to bear on the search for a cure.”
📚Related Words
Want to master 27,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.