Phrasal verb
bear up
Meanings
to stay strong and cope well in a difficult situation
to support or hold up something; to prevent it from falling or collapsing
Definition
To bear up means to stay strong and cope with difficulties without giving up.
To bear up is to remain brave, steady, and emotionally strong during a hard time. It often suggests continuing to function even when you feel sad, worried, or under pressure. It is commonly used when someone is facing bad news, stress, or a painful situation.
Examples
- I tried to bear up after the bad news and finish my shift.
- You have to bear up and keep going when the plan changes suddenly.
- He bore up well during the long delay at the airport.
- She is bearing up despite the pressure at work.
- They bore up as best they could when the storm knocked out the power.
Common mistake
Learners often say "bear up with" instead of the more natural "bear up" or "bear up under".
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.