Word: Bring to Bear
Definition:
The phrase "bring to bear" means to apply or use something (like knowledge, skills, or resources) in order to influence a situation or achieve a goal.
Usage Instructions:
You can use "bring to bear" when you want to express that someone is using their abilities or resources to solve a problem or make a change. It's often used in more formal contexts, such as discussions about business, politics, or important issues.
Example:
- "The scientists brought their expertise to bear on the environmental crisis, helping to find new solutions."
Advanced Usage:
In more complex discussions, "bring to bear" can refer to the application of strategies or policies in a specific situation. For example: - "The government decided to bring economic measures to bear in order to stabilize the market."
Word Variants:
While "bring to bear" itself is a fixed phrase, you can find variations in context: - "Brought to bear" (past tense) - "The team brought their collective skills to bear on the project." - "Bringing to bear" (present participle) - "She is bringing her knowledge to bear in the negotiation."
Different Meanings:
The phrase primarily focuses on the application of effort or resources. It does not have widely recognized alternate meanings.
Synonyms:
Some synonyms for "bring to bear" include: - Apply - Utilize - Exert - Deploy - Leverage
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
There are no direct idioms or phrasal verbs that are exactly synonymous with "bring to bear," but related phrases might include: - "Put to use" - meaning to use something effectively. - "Bring into play" - meaning to introduce something into a situation.
Summary:
"Bring to bear" is a useful phrase when talking about applying knowledge, skills, or resources to influence a situation.