Square Posted 12 years ago
Grammar
Bring to bear: meaning of "bear"?
He brought his knowledge to bear on the situation.
According to Collins English Dictionary, "bring to bear" here means "to bring into operation or effect."
I know this phrase is an idiom and understand what it means now. However, I am curious to know the meaning of "bear" leading to that meaning.
Could you share your opinion?
Thanks.
According to Collins English Dictionary, "bring to bear" here means "to bring into operation or effect."
I know this phrase is an idiom and understand what it means now. However, I am curious to know the meaning of "bear" leading to that meaning.
Could you share your opinion?
Thanks.
Top answer
Hello Square. I'd say it's a metaphor from artillery. To bring a gun to bear on something means to point the gun at something.
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Hello Square.
I'd say it's a metaphor from artillery. To bring a gun to bear on something means to point the gun at something.
Thus when he brings his knowledge to bear on the situation, he seems to point his knowledge at the situation to solve it.
It's treating his knowledge as though it was a cannon.
I'd say it's a metaphor from artillery. To bring a gun to bear on something means to point the gun at something.
Thus when he brings his knowledge to bear on the situation, he seems to point his knowledge at the situation to solve it.
It's treating his knowledge as though it was a cannon.
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"bear" can also be viewed upon as something (whatever; knowledge/gun) that has the means.. or more, something that's being "proposed" as a means of "mustering" a situation.. simply stated, something that can "handle" a situation or scene
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