lean on
phrasal verb.phrasal verb. to depend on someone for help or support, especially during difficult times.
phrasal verb. to rely on someone or something for support, assistance, or encouragement; often implies a temporary or situational dependency rather than a permanent relationship.
I lean on my friends during tough times.
After the accident, she leaned on her family for emotional support.
The company leaned on its partners to navigate the financial crisis while maintaining operational stability.
- rely on
- depend on
- count on
- turn to
- Particles
- on
- Separability
- inseparable
- Pattern
- lean + on + object
typically followed by a person or entity providing support.
contrast with 'rely on' (more formal) and 'depend on' (similar but slightly more absolute in implication); 'lean on' carries a subtle nuance of seeking temporary assistance rather than long-term dependence.
I lean my friend for help.I lean on my friend for help.'lean on' requires the preposition 'on' to convey the correct meaning of relying on someone; omitting it creates a literal and incorrect interpretation.
Last updated April 24, 2026