english
1
general::
Phrase(s): tend to do something to have a tendency to do something. • Jill tends to play with her hair while she works. • Sam tends to say things like that when he is upset.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
1. Apply one's attention, as in We should tend to our business, which is to teach youngsters. This term uses tend in the sense of "attend." [1300s] 2. Be disposed or inclined, as in We tend to believe whatever we are told. This term uses tend in the sense of "have a tendency." [c. 1600]
American Heritage Idioms