lean on

phr.v. to rest your body or an object against something for support.

phr.v. to rest one's weight against a surface or object for physical support. Inseparable; takes a noun-phrase object.

“He leaned on the fence while he waited for the bus to arrive.”

“The weary traveler leaned on his walking stick, pausing to catch his breath before tackling the final incline of the mountain path.”

phr.v. to rely on someone for help, advice, or emotional support.

phr.v. to rely on a person or organization for emotional, financial, or logistical support. Often used in contexts of personal hardship.

“She really leaned on her best friend after she lost her job.”

“During the first year of the startup, the founders had to lean on their initial investors for both capital and strategic guidance.”

phr.v. to try to make someone do something by using your power or influence.

phr.v. to exert pressure or influence on someone to compel them to act in a specific way. Often implies a degree of intimidation or coercion.

“The manager leaned on the team to finish the project by Friday.”

“The authorities began to lean on the witness, hoping that a bit of psychological pressure would encourage him to change his statement.”

Informal