bring around
Persuade or restore consciousness
Literally: To carry or move something to a circular or nearby position.
In 15 Seconds
- To persuade someone to change their mind to your side.
- Used for gradual changes in opinion, not instant ones.
- Can also mean to help someone regain consciousness.
Meaning
When you 'bring someone around,' you gradually persuade them to agree with your opinion or accept your idea after they were initially against it.
Key Examples
3 of 6Convincing a parent
It took me months, but I finally brought my mom around to the idea of me getting a tattoo.
It took me months, but I finally persuaded my mom to accept the idea of me getting a tattoo.
A business meeting
The CEO was skeptical, but the marketing team managed to bring him around.
The CEO was skeptical, but the marketing team managed to convince him.
Texting about a stubborn friend
Don't worry, I'll bring him around to the party tonight.
Don't worry, I will convince him to come to the party tonight.
Cultural Background
In the UK, 'bring round' is much more common than 'bring around.' Using 'around' might sound slightly Americanized to older generations, though it is perfectly understood. In American business culture, 'bringing someone around' is seen as a vital 'soft skill.' It is often associated with emotional intelligence and the ability to lead without being dictatorial. Australians often use 'bring around' in a very casual, social sense, often linked to 'shouting' (buying a round of drinks) or casual backyard gatherings. In international English, 'bring around' is a 'safe' idiom because it is not offensive and clearly describes a process of negotiation that is valued in global trade.
Use with 'to'
Always follow 'bring around' with 'to' when you are mentioning the specific idea or opinion. 'I brought him around TO the idea.'
Pronoun Placement
Never say 'bring around him.' It must be 'bring him around.' This is the #1 mistake for B2 learners.
In 15 Seconds
- To persuade someone to change their mind to your side.
- Used for gradual changes in opinion, not instant ones.
- Can also mean to help someone regain consciousness.
What It Means
Imagine your friend hates spicy food. You talk about it for weeks. Finally, they agree to try your favorite curry. You have successfully brought them around. It is about changing a mind. It is not a fast process. It feels like a gentle nudge rather than a shove. You are moving their opinion from 'No' to 'Yes'.
How To Use It
This is a phrasal verb. You can split it up. You can say bring around my dad or bring my dad around. Usually, we put the person in the middle. Use it when someone is stubborn. It works for big life decisions or small dinner choices. It implies you used logic or charm to win.
When To Use It
You use this when a debate is finally over. Use it at work when a boss finally likes your project. Use it at home when your partner agrees to a vacation. It is perfect for describing a victory in persuasion. It sounds natural and friendly. It shows you are patient and persistent.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for physical force. If you make someone do something by bullying, this is not the phrase. It is also not for quick decisions. If they say 'yes' instantly, you did not bring them around. Avoid using it in very legal or cold documents. It is a bit too warm for a court of law. Also, do not confuse it with bring about, which means to cause something to happen.
Cultural Background
English speakers value the 'art of persuasion'. We do not like being told what to do. We like to feel like we changed our own minds. Bring around reflects this. It suggests a journey of thought. It has been used for centuries to describe changing a person's 'direction' of thinking. It is a very common 'office politics' phrase in the UK and US.
Common Variations
You might hear bring them round in British English. It means the exact same thing. Sometimes people use it for waking someone up after they faint. 'The doctor brought him around with smelling salts.' Context is key here. If they are sleeping, it is medical. If they are stubborn, it is persuasion.
Usage Notes
The phrase is highly versatile and fits in almost any social or professional setting. Just remember that when using pronouns, the person goes in the middle (`bring them around`).
Use with 'to'
Always follow 'bring around' with 'to' when you are mentioning the specific idea or opinion. 'I brought him around TO the idea.'
Pronoun Placement
Never say 'bring around him.' It must be 'bring him around.' This is the #1 mistake for B2 learners.
UK vs US
If you are in London, say 'bring round.' If you are in New York, say 'bring around.' Both are correct, but matching the local style helps you sound more natural.
Examples
6It took me months, but I finally brought my mom around to the idea of me getting a tattoo.
It took me months, but I finally persuaded my mom to accept the idea of me getting a tattoo.
Shows the gradual nature of the persuasion.
The CEO was skeptical, but the marketing team managed to bring him around.
The CEO was skeptical, but the marketing team managed to convince him.
Used here to show professional success in a presentation.
Don't worry, I'll bring him around to the party tonight.
Don't worry, I will convince him to come to the party tonight.
Casual use among friends.
I brought my cat around to the new food, but only after I added some tuna.
I convinced my cat to eat the new food, but only after I added some tuna.
Personifying a pet for comedic effect.
We need to bring the rest of the family around to the plan for Grandpa's care.
We need to get the rest of the family to agree to the plan for Grandpa's care.
Used for sensitive, important topics.
The paramedics used oxygen to bring the fainted runner around.
The paramedics used oxygen to make the fainted runner regain consciousness.
This is the alternative meaning: regaining consciousness.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'bring around' and the pronoun provided.
He was very stubborn about the new rules, but I finally ________ (them / bring around).
The past tense 'brought' is needed, and the pronoun 'them' must go in the middle.
Which sentence uses 'bring around' in its literal sense?
Choose the correct option:
This sentence refers to physically moving an object/animal to a location.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
A: 'Is your dad still angry about the car?' B: 'Yes, but I'm hoping a nice dinner will ________.'
We need the transitive phrasal verb with the pronoun in the middle.
Match the meaning of 'bring around' to the situation.
Situation: A boxer is knocked out and the trainer uses a wet sponge.
In this context, 'bring around' means to regain consciousness.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesHe was very stubborn about the new rules, but I finally ________ (them / bring around).
The past tense 'brought' is needed, and the pronoun 'them' must go in the middle.
Choose the correct option:
This sentence refers to physically moving an object/animal to a location.
A: 'Is your dad still angry about the car?' B: 'Yes, but I'm hoping a nice dinner will ________.'
We need the transitive phrasal verb with the pronoun in the middle.
Situation: A boxer is knocked out and the trainer uses a wet sponge.
In this context, 'bring around' means to regain consciousness.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with your boss, your friends, or your parents. It's very versatile.
Yes, in a literal sense. 'Can you bring the car around?' means to drive the car to the front of a building.
'Convince' is a single action. 'Bring around' implies a process or a journey of persuasion.
Both are correct. 'Bring round' is more common in British English, while 'bring around' is more common in American English.
No, that sounds unnatural. You 'bring the person around to the idea.' The person is the object.
You can say, 'He was eventually brought around to the idea.' This is common in formal writing.
No, it can also mean to revive someone who is unconscious or to invite someone to your home.
Yes, it is a separable phrasal verb.
'Bring to' or 'revive' are common synonyms for making someone conscious again.
Yes. 'I brought the whole team around to the new strategy.'
Related Phrases
come around
similarTo change one's mind (intransitive).
win over
synonymTo gain the support or favor of someone.
bring about
contrastTo cause something to happen.
talk into
similarTo persuade someone to do something.
get on board
builds onTo agree with a plan or join a group effort.
