To remember and consider something; to keep something in your thoughts when making decisions or judgments.
This phrase dates to the 16th century and uses 'bear' in the sense of 'carry' or 'hold,' suggesting that the mind physically carries important information. The metaphor treats thoughts as burdens or possessions that must be actively maintained in consciousness.
The phrase beautifully captures the active effort required to maintain awareness of important information - we don't just passively remember, we actively 'bear' or carry these thoughts. The physical metaphor acknowledges that remembering important things actually requires mental work and attention.
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