The term 'bear down' is an idiom that means to put forth a great effort in order to achieve a goal. The crossword solutions for this term include 'STRAIN, ' which means to make an effort to do something difficult; 'TRY, ' which means to make an attempt; 'REDUCE, ' which means to make smaller or less in amount; 'CONQUER, ' which means to gain control over by force; 'LABOR, ' which means to work hard; 'SUBJUGATE, ' which means to bring under control by authority or force; 'CRUSH, ' which means to PRESS or grind into small particles; 'DEFEAT, ' which means to overcome in battle or contest; 'OVERPOWER, ' which means to DEFEAT by superior strength; 'EXERT, ' which means to put forth effort; 'PRESS, ' which means to apply pressure; 'THRUST, ' which means to push forward; 'tryfor, ' which means to make an effort to obtain; and 'winniethepooh, ' which is the name of a fictional bear created by A.A. Milne.