Bear the expense is an idiom that means to pay for something, usually a large amount of money. To bear the expense is to AFFORD, DEFRAY, and EAT the COST. AFFORD is a six letter word meaning to have enough money to pay for something. DEFRAY is also a six letter word meaning to provide money for something. EAT is a three letter word meaning to use up or consume. COST is a four letter word meaning the amount of money needed to buy or do something.