Phrasal verb
bear down on
Meanings
to move toward someone or something quickly and powerfully, creating a sense of threat or pressure
to increase pressure on someone or something, especially to force a result
to concentrate effort and work harder on something
Definition
To move toward someone or something in a determined or threatening way, often quickly.
To bear down on someone or something means to come closer in a strong, forceful way. It often suggests pressure, danger, or urgency, like a storm approaching or an opponent closing in. It can also describe focusing effort more intensely on a task or goal.
Examples
- A thunderstorm is bearing down on the valley.
- The dog barked as a stranger bore down on the gate.
- I need to bear down on my studies this week.
- They bore down on the last few miles of the hike and didn’t stop until the summit.
- She bore down on the project and finished it before the deadline.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes use it without "on" (e.g., "bear down the problem"), but the correct form is "bear down on" something or someone.
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.