lean on
Britishverb
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Also: lean upon. to depend on for advice, support, etc
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informal to exert pressure on (someone), as by threats or intimidation
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Rely on, depend on, as in He's leaning on me for help . [Mid-1400s]
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Exert pressure on one, especially to obtain something or make one do something against his or her will. For example, The gangsters were leaning on local storekeepers to pay them protection money . [ Colloquial ; mid-1900s]
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
That helps explain why Chinese malls and shopping districts increasingly lean on pop-ups, exhibitions, and themed retail to turn online enthusiasm into offline foot traffic.
From Barron's • Apr. 11, 2026
Many good coffee cake recipes lean on sour cream, which lends a pleasing density and richness to the batter.
From Salon • Mar. 31, 2026
Luka Doncic finishes with 36 points as the Lakers surge in the final minute and lean on a gritty defensive effort in a 100-92 victory over Houston.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 18, 2026
In the face of adversity, an inexperienced leader will lean on those who share his grievances and worldview.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 9, 2026
John Laydon joins us and gives Captain Smith a strong shoulder to lean on as he struggles to walk.
From "Blood on the River" by Elisa Carbone
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
