bear down

bear down (on someone or something)

to press down on someone or something. Bear down on the pen. You have to make a lot of copies. Don't bear down too hard or you'll break it.

See also: bear

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bear down (on somebody/something)

1. to use all your effort to do something Our students will have to bear down if they want to pass their exams.

2. to push or press on something When washing your car, try not to bear down too hard or you'll take off the paint.

3. to move toward someone or something in a threatening way Another storm is bearing down on northern California. The car gathered speed and bore down on him, so he jumped into the ditch.

See also: bear