ENGLISH
REFERENCE

bring to bear

idiom
Meaning

To apply; to employ something to achieve an intended effect.


Examples
SIMPLE

We need to bring all our resources to bear on this project.

CONTEXTUAL

The company decided to bring its best legal team to bear on the contract negotiations to ensure a favorable outcome.

COMPLEX

The government brought significant diplomatic pressure to bear on the neighboring nation, hoping to resolve the border dispute without further military escalation.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    average bear

    The norm; an average person; Used in comparisons

  2. 02

    bad news bears

    Said of someone or something that will bring disaster or bad fortune to one.

  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.

Last updated April 17, 2026