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REFERENCE

average bear

idiom
Meaning

The norm; an average person; Used in comparisons


Origin

disputed origin

After the cartoon character Yogi Bear, said to be "smarter than the average bear".

Examples
SIMPLE

He is not your average bear when it comes to math.

CONTEXTUAL

She is not your average bear, as she speaks five languages and plays three instruments.

COMPLEX

While most candidates offered standard solutions, he proved he was not your average bear by proposing a radical, innovative strategy.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    average joe

    Alternative spelling of average Joe.

  2. 02

    average up

    To calculate an average or rough figure.

  3. 03

    bear a hand

    To make haste; to help quickly.

  4. 04

    bear away the bell

    To be superior in something.

  5. 05

    bear fruit

    To produce good results; to yield benefits; to succeed.

  6. 06

    bear in mind

    To hold (something) in the memory; to remember; also, to be mindful of or pay attention to (something); to consider; to note.

  7. 07

    bear oneself

    To behave and conduct oneself in a particular manner.

  8. 08

    bear the brunt

    To endure the worst part of something.

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