bear fruit: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘bear fruit’ mean?
The idiom "bear fruit" means to produce positive or desired results or outcomes after putting in effort or waiting patiently.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "reap the harvest" means to enjoy the benefits or results of one's past actions or efforts.
The idiom "fruit of the union" refers to the positive results or benefits that come as a result of a collaboration or partnership. It symbolizes the outcome or product of a successful union or teamwork.
The idiom "fruit of the union" is a metaphorical phrase that refers to the result or product of a successful union or collaboration between two or more entities. It signifies the positive outcomes, benefits, or products that emerge from a partnership, collaboration, or relationship.
The idiom "earn one's keep" means to work and contribute enough to cover one's own expenses or be useful and deserving of the resources one receives. It conveys the idea of being self-supporting or proving one's worth through hard work and productivity.
The idiom "deliver the goods" means to fulfill or complete a task or assignment successfully and as expected.
The idiom *crush it* means to do something with great success and excellence, often exceeding expectations or goals.
The idiom "cross to bear" means to have a burden or responsibility that one must carry or deal with throughout their life.
The idiom "come up with" means to produce or find an idea, solution, or answer, often unexpectedly or under pressure.
The idiom "come up roses" means to have a successful or positive outcome. It is often used to describe a situation where everything goes well and results in a favorable outcome.
The idiom "come through" means to successfully complete or accomplish something, especially when facing difficulties or obstacles.
“Come through” is a commonly used idiom in modern American English. Its exact origin is uncertain, but it is believed to have emerged in the late 19th or early 20th century. It is primarily used as a phrasal verb, and its meaning varies depending on the context.
Enigmatic Origins
The idiom "bear fruit" is a common English expression that means something has become successful or yielded positive results. It implies that patience, effort, and perseverance are necessary for achieving desired outcomes.
This idiom can be traced back to biblical times, particularly to the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament. It is mentioned multiple times in the Bible, particularly in the Gospels and the Epistles. The religious references have likely played a significant role in popularizing the idiom.
"Bear fruit" is a metaphorical expression rooted in the literal concept of plants and trees producing fruit. In the natural world, fruit is the product of a plant's growth and development, representing the culmination of its reproductive process. Applying this notion to different aspects of life, the idiom suggests that patience, effort, and perseverance are necessary for achieving desired outcomes.
When something "bears fruit," it indicates that the actions, strategies, or investments have yielded positive results and brought about success. It implies that the initial efforts and time invested have paid off. This idiom is frequently used in various contexts, such as business, personal relationships, scientific research, and creative endeavors.
For example, in a business context, a long-term marketing campaign may "bear fruit" when it results in increased sales and profits. Similarly, in personal or professional relationships, investing time and effort into nurturing a connection can "bear fruit" when it leads to a stronger bond or mutually beneficial opportunities.
"Bearing fruit" symbolizes the realization of success or positive results. However, it is important to note that the phrase can also be used when the outcomes or results are undesirable or have negative implications. In such cases, it suggests that the efforts or actions have led to unintended or unfavorable consequences.
This idiom is a reminder that patience and dedication are often necessary for achieving desired outcomes. Whether in personal relationships, business endeavors, or other aspects of life, "bearing fruit" requires perseverance. The idiom encompasses both favorable and unfavorable consequences.
Another related idiom is "fruit of the union." This expression also refers to a positive outcome or result, but it specifically relates to the product or outcome of a partnership or collaboration. Just as plants produce fruit, partnerships produce results.
Similarly, the idiom "bear with" is related to "bearing fruit." This phrase is used to ask for someone's patience or understanding in a difficult or challenging situation. It implies that the person's patience will eventually lead to a positive or desired outcome.
Lastly, the idiom "bring to bear" can also be related to "bearing fruit." This phrase means to apply or utilize something in a situation in order to achieve a specific result or outcome. It implies that the actions or efforts will lead to a fruitful result.
The idiom "bear fruit" means something has become successful or yielded positive results over time. It originates from biblical teachings and the metaphorical concept of plants producing fruit. This idiom conveys the idea that patience, effort, and perseverance are necessary for achieving desired outcomes. It is frequently used in various contexts, such as business, personal relationships, scientific research, and creative endeavors. While typically associated with favorable outcomes, it can also encompass unfavorable consequences. Additionally, the idioms "fruit of the union," "bear with," and "bring to bear" are related to "bearing fruit" in different ways, adding depth and nuance to the concept.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *bear fruit* can be used in a sentence:
- After years of hard work, his efforts finally bore fruit when he was promoted to a managerial position.
- The research project took several months to complete, but it eventually bore fruit with the discovery of a new drug.
- She invested in a start-up company and it took a while, but her gamble bore fruit when the company became profitable.
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