bring (something) to bear

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.

2. To point or aim a weapon. I brought the gun to bear on the intruder and was able to scare him off.

See also: bear, bring

bring to bear

Exert, apply, as in All his efforts are brought to bear on the new problem, or The union is bringing pressure to bear on management. [Late 1600s]

See also: bear, bring

bring something to bear (on something)

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

See also: bear, bring, something

bring to bear

1. To exert; apply: bring pressure to bear on the student's parents.

2. To put (something) to good use: "All of one's faculties are brought to bear in an effort to become fully incorporated into the landscape" (Barry Lopez).

See also: bear, bring