arriveBear with me = please be patient with me
We use ‘bear with me’ when we are taking a long time to do something during a conversation or meeting.
Situation: You are in a cafe and you can’t find your wallet in your bag. You need a moment to look for your wallet. You can tell the barista: ‘Please bear with me. I’m just looking for my wallet.’
Situation: You are on the phone because you need to book a doctor’s appointment. You ask the receptionist a question. She needs time to find the answer. He/She can say: ‘Bear with me one moment. I’ll find that information for you.’
Situation: You are in a shop and the shop assistant is having trouble with the card payment machine. She needs a minute to fix the machine. He/She can say: This machine has been acting up all day. Bear with me a second please.
Situation: You are in a restaurant and you can’t decided what to order. The waiter arrives while you are looking at the menu . You need a short moment to think. You can say: Sorry, bear with me….I’ll have the chicken pasta please.
Remember: ‘bear with me’ gives you a short pause to think or do something. You would not use ‘bear with me’ for something that takes a long time.
Situation: You drop off your car at a local garage for a repair. This repair will take two days.
X Incorrect
Mechanic: Thank you Mr. Jones. Your car will take two days. Bear with me, have a nice day!
Correct
Mechanic: Thank you Mr. Jones, your car will be ready…bear with me (The mechanic is now checking the computer system)…it will be ready by Friday. Have a nice day!
MAY/MIGHT AS WELL – another essential phrase
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See you next time! Arnel
Situation: While I was studying, my daughter asked me for permission to use a pencil sharpener. So, I said, bear with me for two minutes. I’ll give it you later on.
Great example Ammar! Yes, that is definitely one situation where you would use ‘bear with me’.
Mini note: I’ll give it TO you later on. 🙂