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Dictionary Home » Phrase Meanings » bear down

What does "bear down" mean?

Press or weigh down on someone or something. For example, This pen doesn't write unless you bear down hard on it. [Late 1600s]
Try hard, intensify one's efforts, as in If you'll just bear down, you'll pass the test.
Move forward in a pressing or threatening way, as in The ferry bore down on our little skiff. This usage was originally nautical. [Early 1700s]

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