# bear down on

CEFR C1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/bear-down-on
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to move quickly and in a threatening way toward someone or something.

For teachers: to approach someone or something rapidly and with a sense of menace or overwhelming force; can also describe the application of pressure or effort.

## Examples

- The large truck began to bear down on our small car.
- As the deadline started to bear down on the team, everyone worked late into the night.
- The storm clouds began to bear down on the coastal village, threatening to unleash a torrent of rain and wind upon the residents.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The car bore down to us." but "The car bore down on us." — the preposition 'on' is required to indicate the target of the movement.

## Usage notes

- usually implies a sense of physical or psychological pressure from the approaching object.
- Teaching tip: highlight the physical sense of a large object (like a ship or truck) moving toward you to help students visualize the metaphorical sense of a deadline or responsibility.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.