Bring Something To Bear (+On) – Idiom Of The Day For IELTS Speaking

When preparing for the IELTS Speaking test, using idiomatic expressions naturally and accurately can significantly improve your score, particularly in the Lexical Resource criterion. Today’s idiom, “bring something to bear (on)”, is especially useful when discussing influence, problem-solving, or actions taken to achieve a specific result.

Meaning of Bring Something To Bear (+On)

Definition:
To bring something to bear means to use something such as resources, influence, arguments, or actions—to achieve a particular effect or result. When used with “on,” it specifically refers to directing influence or pressure toward a situation or person to change the outcome.

Origin of the Idiom

The phrase originates from military and mechanical contexts where “bearing” refers to the direction in which force or pressure is applied. Over time, it evolved into a figurative expression, describing how effort, influence, or resources can be applied to achieve a goal, change a situation, or produce an effect in both professional and personal contexts.

Usage of Bring Something To Bear (+On) in Context

Here are some example sentences illustrating how this idiom can be used in IELTS Speaking:

1. Strict punishments should be brought to bear as deterrents for disobedient behaviors.
2. Conservationists are actively bringing media pressure and public attention to bear on the demand for sound policies to protect endangered species.
3. The management team had some reservations on how much influence the new policy could bring to bear, but most employees were on board with it.

Pro tip: Use this idiom when discussing situations where influence, effort, or resources are used to bring about change or results. It sounds formal, confident, and academic, making it suitable for IELTS Speaking Part 2 and Part 3.

Useful Vocabulary Related to the Idiom

• Disobedient (adj): refusing to obey rules or instructions.
• Deterrent (n): something that discourages or prevents a certain action.
• Conservationist (n): a person actively involved in protecting the environment.
• Sound (adj): thorough, reliable, and well-planned.
• Endangered (adj): at risk of no longer existing.
• Reservation (n): a feeling of doubt about a plan or idea.
• Be on board with (phrase): to support or agree with something.
• Take action (phrase): to do something in order to achieve a result.
• Diversity (n): variety, especially in nature or human society.
• Issue (v): to formally create or announce something, often legal.
• Civilization (n): a highly organized and developed society.
• Litter (v): to leave trash in public spaces, making them untidy.

IELTS Speaking Practice: Bring Something To Bear

You can use this idiom in IELTS Speaking Part 1, Part 2, or IELTS Speaking Part 3 when:

Example Question: What can governments do to protect the environment?

Sample Answer:
Generally speaking, many governments have already taken action to improve environmental quality and diversity. Some of these measures include issuing laws and regulations, as well as raising community awareness regarding environmental issues. For instance, Singapore is well-known for its exceptional cleanliness and strong sense of civilization. Strict punishments have been brought to bear to maintain this tidiness. If anyone litters even a small item, such as a cigarette butt or candy wrapper, they can be fined $300 for the first offense, with much higher fines for larger violations. This approach clearly shows how legal authority can be applied effectively to bring results in protecting public spaces.

Idiom Scenarios

Scenario 1:
Sam: The company seems slow to adopt new technology.
Asha: They’ve finally started to bring expert advice to bear on improving their digital systems, so I expect faster progress soon.

Scenario 2:
Mia: How did the NGO succeed in protecting the forest?
Arjun: They brought public awareness and media campaigns to bear on the government, which eventually led to new conservation policies.

Sample Answer Using the Idiom

IELTS Speaking Part 2 – Describe a time when you influenced a decision or situation:

“One time, I volunteered for a local campaign to reduce single-use plastics in my city. I researched facts and statistics and brought this evidence to bear in discussions with the city council. By highlighting the long-term environmental and economic benefits, we managed to convince them to adopt stricter policies. Seeing the initiative succeed was incredibly satisfying because our effort directly influenced the community. This experience taught me the importance of effectively applying resources and knowledge to bring about meaningful change.”

IELTS Vocabulary Tip for Bring Something To Bear

Using idioms like bring something to bear in IELTS Speaking answers makes your speech sound more formal, precise, and expressive. It is particularly effective in IELTS Speaking Part 2 and Part 3 when discussing topics such as:

• Environment and conservation
• Workplace challenges and management
• Government policies and laws
• Personal achievements and influence

Exercise: Bring Something To Bear

Multiple-Choice Question:
Q1: “The manager finally __________ his experience and expertise to bear on solving the team’s issue.”

a) brought
b) ran out of patience
c) took the wind out of someone’s sails
d) dressed to kill

Correct Answer: a) brought

Fill-in-the-Blank:
Q2: “The NGO brought public pressure __________ the government to protect endangered forests.”

Correct Answer: on

To sum up, Bring something to bear (on) is a versatile idiom for IELTS Speaking. It is perfect for describing influence, applying resources, or taking action to achieve results. Using this expression naturally in your answers demonstrates fluency, advanced vocabulary, and the ability to communicate complex ideas. Remember to practice applying this idiom in real-life scenarios, such as government policies, workplace decisions, and environmental campaigns. Doing so will enhance your Lexical Resource, improve coherence, and help you score higher in IELTS Speaking. 

If you’re aiming for a higher band score, make sure to practice idioms in context and check out the IELTS Exam Preparation Tips for Band Score of 8+ to further enhance your vocabulary and overall test performance.

Also Check: 

• 21+ Tips On How to Improve Your IELTS Writing Band Score
• IELTS Exam Preparation Tips for Band Score of 8+
• IELTS Writing Task 1 Connectors
• 10 Useful IELTS Speaking Tips to Impress the Examiner
• Useful Idioms for IELTS Speaking to Score Band 8.0+