Select the appropriate phrasal verb to fill in the blank:
You need to be eloquent and logical in order to ______ the opposing team.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → bear down
To bear down an opponent means to overcome or overpower them by force or pressure. In a debate the pressure comes from eloquent and logical argument, which lets one defeat the opposing team.
Example: The debater bore down the opposition with facts and clear reasoning.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 2: bear with — Incorrect. To bear with someone means to be patient with them. Being patient does not defeat the other team.
Example: Please bear with me while I find the file.
Option 3: back down — Incorrect. To back down means to give up a position or claim. It means retreating, the opposite of overpowering the other team.
Example: He refused to back down in the argument.
Option 4: bend to — Incorrect. To bend to something means to yield to it. It shows giving in, whereas the sentence is about winning against the team.
Example: She would not bend to pressure.
The following words have also been asked in other CUET (UG) English papers:
| Word | 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| bear down | 31-05 S2 | – | – | – | – |
| bear with | 21-05 S2 31-05 S2 | – | – | – | – |