bring to bear: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘bring to bear’ mean?
The idiom "bring to bear" means to apply or use something effectively or forcefully in order to achieve a desired result.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "put to work" means to utilize or employ someone or something for a particular purpose or task.
The idiom "guns blazing" means to engage in a task or activity with great determination, energy, and enthusiasm.
The idiom "grab the bull by the horns" means to confront a difficult situation directly with courage and determination, rather than avoiding or ignoring it.
The idiom "go to bat" means to take action or make an effort on behalf of someone or something.
The idiom "force someone's hand" means to put pressure on someone to make a decision or take action, often by creating a situation where they have no other choice.
The idiom "do it tough" means to face or endure a difficult or challenging situation with determination and resilience.
The idiom "cross to bear" means to have a burden or responsibility that one must carry or deal with throughout their life.
The idiom "come to blows" means to engage in a physical fight or altercation.
The idiom "come out swinging" means to begin a competition or argument with great force or determination. It is often used to describe someone who starts a fight or confrontation aggressively and forcefully.
The idiom "carry off" means to succeed in doing something difficult or challenging, often with skill or style, despite facing obstacles or opposition.
Unleashing Influence
The idiom "bring to justice" is a related phrase that shares a similar structure and meaning with "bring to bear." When someone is brought to justice, it means that they are held accountable for their actions and face the consequences of their wrongdoing.
In legal contexts, "bring to justice" often refers to the process of arresting, prosecuting, and punishing individuals who have committed crimes. It emphasizes the idea of bringing the guilty party to a court of law and ensuring that they are held responsible for their actions.
Similarly, when the idiom "bring about" is used, it implies the act of causing or initiating a particular event or outcome. It suggests that someone's actions or interventions have directly resulted in a specific situation or change.
"Bring about" is often used in discussions about change, progress, and transformation. It can describe the actions taken to bring about positive social change, economic growth, or personal development. This idiom highlights the role of individuals in actively shaping their environment and influencing the course of events.
Lastly, the idiom "bring on" signifies the act of causing or inviting a particular situation or experience. It implies that someone is intentionally provoking or initiating an event or condition, often with enthusiasm or eagerness.
"Bring on" can be used in various contexts, such as in sports, entertainment, or even personal challenges. It can describe the actions taken to face a difficult situation head-on, to invite new opportunities, or to embrace change with enthusiasm. This idiom suggests a proactive and eager attitude towards taking on challenges or welcoming new experiences.
When compared to the idiom "bring to bear," these related idioms expand the range of situations and actions that can be described. "Bring to justice" emphasizes the accountability and consequences that individuals face for their actions. "Bring about" highlights the active role of individuals in causing change, progress, or transformation. "Bring on" reflects a proactive and eager attitude towards inviting and embracing new experiences or challenges.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "bring to bear" can be used in a sentence:
- He brought his knowledge and experience to bear on the problem, finding a creative solution.
- The police brought their full force to bear in their investigation, leaving no stone unturned.
- She brought all her persuasive skills to bear during the negotiation, convincing the client to sign the contract.
More "Usage" idioms
