Definition of the word bear on

The expression "bear on" has its roots in the nautical language of the 17th century. When sailing, the Commanding Officer would instruct his crew on a particular course by signaling the direction using a nautical compass, called a backstaff. The compass had a needle, which would point towards magnetic north. To maintain a specific heading, the ship's helmsman, who steered the wheel, would need to keep the needle centered on the backstaff's dial, a task that required steady hands and concentration. The Commanding Officer would then say, "bear on" to indicate that the ship's course should remain steady, maintaining the current heading. The expression, which has its roots in the nautical term "bearings," meaning the ship's position and heading, was used to instruct the helmsman to keep the ship moving in the desired direction. Over time, the term "bear on" expanded beyond the sailing community and came into common use in military and aviation contexts. It became a phrase used to indicate continuing a task or process and to persevere, revealing how useful and versatile seafaring terms can be across various industries and environments.