bear up

To stay strong and positive when life is difficult.

• How are you bearing up?
• He bore up well after losing his job.
• She tried to bear up under the strain.

How to use it: bear up under something (She is bearing up under enormous pressure.)

Similar words: cope, keep going

Opposites: give up

Common phrases: bear up, bear up under pressure

To sail in a direction close to the direction the wind is coming from.

• The captain ordered us to bear up.
• The boat bore up toward the wind.
• We had to bear up to stay on course.

Similar words: sail close to the wind

Common phrases: bear up, bear up to windward

To hold someone or something up so they do not fall or sink.

• These beams bear up the roof.
• The water bore up her tired body.
• Could the old supports bear up such a heavy load?

How to use it: bear someone/something up (The water bore him up as he floated.)

Similar words: support, hold up

Common phrases: bear up something, bear up the roof