# lean on

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/lean-on
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. to rest against

phrasal verb · CEFR A2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 2. to depend on

phrasal verb · CEFR B1

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

For teachers: 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.

### 3. to pressure someone

phrasal verb · CEFR B2 · Informal

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

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- 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.

## Usage notes

- Teaching tip: 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.