Meaning of "bear down"

[Jamaika]

English Language Proficiency Tests, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #69 "Bearing Information", question 2

We were in a small rowing boat and were terrified that the steamer hadn't seen us as it was bearing ......... on us.

(a) down
(b) across
(c) over
(d) under

English Language Proficiency Tests, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #69 "Bearing Information", answer 2

We were in a small rowing boat and were terrified that the steamer hadn't seen us as it was bearing down on us.

Correct answer: (a) down

Your answer was: incorrect
We were in a small rowing boat and were terrified that the steamer hadn't seen us as it was bearing over on us.
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Dear Sir,

Please explain "Bear down"

Jamaika

[Alan]

Hi Jamaika,

Bear down has the idea of threatening or pressing down on. The large ship is coming towards the small rowing boat in this sentence and it looks as if it is going to crush it and sail over it.

Alan
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English as a Second Language
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