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bore in

C1 neutral inseparable intransitive
In simple words

To dig or push in a very focused way towards the middle of something, or to move aggressively straight at something.

Literal meaning: To use a boring tool (drill) in an inward direction — to create a hole going inward.

Meanings

1 C1 neutral

To drill or pierce into a surface or material in an inward direction.

"The drill bit bored in easily through the soft limestone."

Grammar: inseparable
2 C1 idiomatic neutral

To advance or move forcefully and directly toward a target, like an aircraft or attacker.

"The forward bore in on goal and unleashed a powerful shot."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Used in both literal contexts (drilling machinery boring into a surface) and figurative ones (an athlete, aircraft, or argument advancing relentlessly toward its target). The verb 'bore' here means to drill or pierce, not to cause boredom. Relatively formal or technical in register.

Commonly used with

rock target centre hole attacker drill

Forms

Base
bore in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
bores in
he/she/it
Past simple
bored in
yesterday
Past participle
bored in
have + pp
-ing form
boring in
continuous

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