bear against
Verb
Meaning
(transitive) To approach someone or something as for an attack
I caught some good shots of a wolf bearing against a caribou.
(transitive, of a surface or item) To be forced to strike upon; to bang against; to wear away at (especially in theology).
The top side of that has been bearing against the wall for years.
Examples
Despite some close encounters, the pursuing French army was unable to bring to bear against the English.
When naval gunfire was brought to bear against the strong-points defending the E-3 draw, a decision was made to try to force this exit with tanks.