bring something to bear on

16. PHRASE : V inflects

If you bring something to bear on a situation, you use it to deal with that situation.

• British scientists have brought computer science to bear on this problem.

17. PHRASE : V inflects

If you bring pressure or influence to bear on someone, you use it to try and persuade them to do something.

• His companions brought pressure to bear on him, urging him to stop wasting money.

... Cobuild