1
general::
1. Restore to consciousness, as in I'll see if these smelling salts will bring her to. Also see BRING AROUND, def. 2. 2. Cause a vessel to stop by heading into the wind or some other means. For example, As they neared the anchorage, they brought the boat to. This usage was first recorded in 1753.
American Heritage Idioms
2
general::
Phrase(s): bring someone to
to help someone return to consciousness. • We worked to bring him to before he went into shock. • He was finally brought to by the smelling salts., Phrase(s): bring someone to do something
to cause someone to do something; to encourage someone to do something. • What brought you to do this? • I was brought to do this by a guilty conscience., Phrase(s): bring one to oneself
to cause one to become rational; to cause one to act normal. • A glass of ice water thrown in her face brought Sally to herself. • I was brought to myself by some smelling salts.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs