The phrase "bore the expense" refers to taking on the financial responsibility for something. Its antonyms would be phrases that indicate the avoidance of such responsibility. Examples of antonyms for "bore the expense" include "shifted the cost," "passed the buck," or "sidestepped the charges." By using these phrases, the speaker implies that someone else has taken on the cost, or that it has been avoided entirely. In situations where expenses are unwelcome or deemed unnecessary, using antonyms for "bore the expense" can help convey the message that someone would rather not be paying for something.