bear hug

USAGE SUMMARY

"bear hug" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It refers to a strong and tight embrace, often associated with a warm and loving gesture. It can be used in various situations, such as expressing affection towards a loved one, or to describe a physically powerful hug. Example: As soon as I saw my best friend after months of being apart, I ran up to her and gave her a big, bear hug. I couldn't contain my excitement as I squeezed her tightly, feeling grateful for her presence.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

His bear hug.

The Guardian - Film

Then came the bear hug.

The New Yorker

It was a bear hug from behind.

The New York Times

He gave Leitao a warm bear hug.

The New York Times - Sports

He wrapped Wolf in a bear hug.

The New Yorker

He gave the boy an exploratory bear hug.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Bear-hug at last Who will join the club?

The Economist

Varitek obliged, and they combined for a bear-hug dance.

The New York Times - Sports

Figure out whether your arms are free or caught by the bear-hug.

WikiHow

He then turned and gave Michael Keaton a bear hug. .

Huffington Post

The Commercial Bear Hug Of Open Source.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "bear hug" to describe a hostile takeover, ensure the context is clear to avoid misinterpretation. Consider adding clarifying language if necessary.

Common error

While "bear hug" is acceptable in informal settings, using it excessively in formal or professional communication can diminish the seriousness of your message. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "strong support" or "close collaboration" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bear hug" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a particularly strong and tight embrace. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English. Examples provided by Ludwig show its use in both literal and figurative contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Wiki

21%

Social Media

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bear hug" is a common and correct phrase generally used as a noun to describe either a strong, affectionate embrace or a hostile takeover bid in business. As Ludwig AI states, it's well-recognized in written English and appears frequently in news and media, as shown in the Ludwig examples. While versatile, it's essential to consider the context when using "bear hug", as it might be too informal for certain professional settings. Consider alternatives like "tight embrace" or "strong support" for more formal situations. The linguistic analysis suggests the register is generally neutral, but predominantly used in news and media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tight embrace

Focuses on the physical aspect of a strong and close hug.

warm embrace

Emphasizes the affectionate and comforting nature of a hug.

close hug

Highlights the proximity and intimacy of the hug.

affectionate hug

Underscores the loving and caring sentiment behind the hug.

heartfelt embrace

Conveys the sincerity and depth of feeling in the hug.

firm hug

Stresses the strength and security of the hug.

big squeeze

An informal way of describing a tight and enthusiastic hug.

loving embrace

Highlights the love and tenderness expressed through the hug.

enveloping hug

Suggests a hug that surrounds and comforts the recipient.

friendly hug

Emphasizes the platonic and amicable nature of the hug.

FAQs

How can I use "bear hug" in a sentence?

You can use "bear hug" to describe a tight, affectionate embrace, as in, "She gave her grandfather a big bear hug." It can also refer to a type of hostile takeover in business.

What can I say instead of "bear hug" when describing a physical embrace?

Alternatives include "tight embrace", "warm embrace", or "affectionate hug" depending on the context.

What does "bear hug" mean in a business context?

In business, a "bear hug" refers to a hostile takeover attempt where one company offers to buy another at a price so high it's difficult to refuse.

Is it appropriate to use "bear hug" in formal writing?

While "bear hug" is widely understood, it may be too informal for some formal writing situations. Consider using more neutral language like "strong support" or "firm embrace" depending on the specific meaning you wish to convey.