Lean on
verb
To depend or rely on someone or something for help or support.
You can always lean on me when times get tough.
Often appears as...
- lean on me
- lean on support
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
To aim to influence or pressure someone into doing something.
The company leaned on him to resign.
Often appears as...
- lean on someone to resign
- lean on someone to take action
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
verb
Physically rest one's weight on something.
He leaned on the wall for support.
Often appears as...
- lean on the wall
- lean on the table
verb
To depend or rely on someone or something for help or support.
You can always lean on me when times get tough.
Often appears as...
- lean on me
- lean on support
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
To aim to influence or pressure someone into doing something.
The company leaned on him to resign.
Often appears as...
- lean on someone to resign
- lean on someone to take action
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
verb
Physically rest one's weight on something.
He leaned on the wall for support.
Often appears as...
- lean on the wall
- lean on the table
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Support
Use 'lean on' when expressing emotional dependency or seeking comfort during difficult times.
After the loss, she needed someone to lean on.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Literal
'Lean on' often means emotional rather than physical support when used idiomatically.
During the crisis, he leaned on his friends for support.
Pro Tip 3/3Trust Implied
Implies a high level of trust in the person or thing you are depending on.
Businesses lean on reliable suppliers to meet demand.
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Support
Use 'lean on' when expressing emotional dependency or seeking comfort during difficult times.
After the loss, she needed someone to lean on.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Literal
'Lean on' often means emotional rather than physical support when used idiomatically.
During the crisis, he leaned on his friends for support.
Pro Tip 3/3Trust Implied
Implies a high level of trust in the person or thing you are depending on.
Businesses lean on reliable suppliers to meet demand.
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Support
Use 'lean on' when expressing emotional dependency or seeking comfort during difficult times.
After the loss, she needed someone to lean on.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Literal
'Lean on' often means emotional rather than physical support when used idiomatically.
During the crisis, he leaned on his friends for support.
Pro Tip 3/3Trust Implied
Implies a high level of trust in the person or thing you are depending on.
Businesses lean on reliable suppliers to meet demand.
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