bring (something) to bear

1. To use pressure or force to cause a certain result. If you want a confession from that guy, you're going to have to bring pressure to bear on him. Most people are unhappy about these billboards, and we have to bring that displeasure to bear on the mayor. A: "Do you seriously think that bringing threats to bear will get him to resign?" B: "Well, nothing else has worked!"

2. To point or aim a weapon. I brought the gun to bear on the intruder and was able to scare him off. When the man brought the rifle to bear, I swear my whole life flashed before my eyes. You better not bring that weapon to bear unless you know how to use it, sonny!

bring something to bear (on something)

1 aim (a weapon) (at something). 2 muster and use something to effect (on something).