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
A phrasal verb is a verb joined with a small word such as up, out or together. The two words together have a new meaning.
In a debate the pressure comes from eloquent and logical argument, which lets one defeat the opposing team.
Complete sentence: You need to be eloquent and logical in order to bear down the opposing team.
| Phrasal verb | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| (1) bear down (answer) | to overcome or overpower an opponent by force or pressure | The debater bore down the opposition with facts and clear reasoning. |
| (2) bear with | to be patient with someone. Being patient does not defeat the other team. | Please bear with me while I find the file. |
| (3) back down | to give up a position or claim. It means retreating, the opposite of overpowering the other team. | He refused to back down in the argument. |
| (4) bend to | to yield to something. It shows giving in, whereas the sentence is about winning against the team. | She would not bend to pressure. |
| Also asked in CUET (UG): bear down – 31-05-2026 Slot 2 bear with – 31-05-2026 Slot 2, 21-05-2026 Slot 2 |