bring to bear

Focus one's resources

To bring to bear is to apply or direct something toward a purpose or problem.

The phrase usually involves force, pressure, influence, or resources: She brought all her experience to bear on the project, The government brought diplomatic pressure to bear on the regime.

The image is of aiming or positioning something for maximum effect.

apply

influence

Power to affect others

implementTool or enact
utilizePut to practical purpose
employEngage for work

deploy · wield · exercise · direct · channel · focus · harness · concentrate · administer · execute

mobilize

marshal

Arrange in proper order

summonCall to appear
musterAssemble for inspection
rallyGathering for a cause

assemble · gather · organize · coordinate · deploy · activate · galvanize · conscript · enlist · amass

pressure

force

Strength or compulsion

powerEnergy transfer rate
weightMeasure of heaviness
cloutInformal power or punch

sway · impact · authority · dominance · control · muscle · strength · intensity · coercion · compulsion

Opposites

application of force/resources

bring to bearscatter

Distribute in random directions

withhold · disperse · withdraw · hold back · pull back

attention and engagement

bring to bearneglect

Failure to provide care

ignore · disregard · overlook · let slide · brush aside

Family

bear, bring, bearing, overbearing, brought, unbearable, bearings, brings, bringing

Familiarity: Top 200,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Everyday, not technical · Rated G