bear down

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The Treasury said it had taken "action to bear down on inflation and the cost of living".

From BBC • Mar. 23, 2026

That question matters more than ever as tariffs, surging energy prices and the threat of artificial intelligence bear down on the broader economy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 22, 2026

“Playoffs can get uncomfortable for some people, but I think he’s one of those guys who can focus and bear down in these moments. And he wants the moment. That’s a talent and a skill.”

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 17, 2024

About 90 minutes into the day’s march across the ice cap, whiteout conditions and howling winds bear down on them, zapping all visibility and prompting a pointed back-and-forth.

From New York Times • Mar. 29, 2024

I bear down on the toilet in the dark—I know just where to go—and my stomach hitches again and slams up at me, and I open up and groan.

From "It’s Kind of a Funny Story" by Ned Vizzini