loaded for bear

English

Etymology

An allusion to equipping oneself with the sort of heavy weaponry suitable for hunting large game.

Adjective

loaded for bear (not comparable)

  1. (idiomatic) Thoroughly equipped, as for a demanding task or confrontation.
    • 1955, Edward Latimer Beach, Run Silent, Run Deep, ch. 6:
      "The whole Jap Navy," said Captain Sams, waving at a map of Japan on the wall behind him, "has been steaming across the Pacific loaded for bear."
  2. (idiomatic) Mentally prepared for a daunting situation or confrontation.
    • 1917, Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne's House of Dreams, ch. 35:
      Every Elliott and Crawford and MacAllister is on the warpath, loaded for bear.

See also
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