lean on
B2Informal to Neutral
Definition
Meaning
To rely on someone or something for support, either physically, emotionally, or for assistance.
To apply pressure on someone, either figuratively through intimidation or influence, or literally by resting one's weight against something.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The phrase has a dual nature: positive (support) and negative (pressure/intimidation). The intended meaning is almost always clear from context.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. 'Lean on' meaning to apply pressure/intimidate is slightly more common in American crime/drama contexts.
Connotations
In both varieties, the 'support' sense is primary and more frequent. The 'pressure' sense is marked and more informal.
Frequency
Equally common in both dialects.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
lean on [sb] (for sth)lean on [sth] (for support)lean on [sb] to do sth (pressure sense)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “lean on someone's shoulder”
- “a shoulder to lean on”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"We can lean on our established partners during the market transition." (support)
Academic
"The study leans on Bourdieu's theory of cultural capital." (relies conceptually)
Everyday
"She leaned on the railing to get a better view." (physical) / "I know I can lean on my family." (emotional)
Technical
In engineering: "The structure leans on a series of reinforced pillars."
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- After the accident, he had to lean on a cane.
- The boss will lean on the team to finish the report by Friday.
American English
- You can always lean on me if you need help.
- The gangsters leaned on the shopkeeper for protection money.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The child leaned on his mother's arm.
- Don't lean on the glass, it might break.
- When I feel sad, I lean on my best friend.
- He leaned on the table while he was talking.
- The company leans heavily on freelance designers during busy periods.
- The politician was accused of leaning on journalists to suppress the story.
- Her entire philosophical argument leans on a single, contested premise.
- The regime leaned on the judiciary to ensure a favourable verdict.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a ladder LEANing ON a wall for support, or a detective LEANing ON a suspect to pressure them for information.
Conceptual Metaphor
SUPPORT IS PHYSICAL PROXIMITY/PRESSURE ("lean on"), DEPENDENCY IS PHYSICAL CONTACT.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with "lean against" (прислоняться к) for purely physical meaning. "Lean on" (полагаться на) is more abstract for support. The negative sense (to pressure) translates as "давить на".
Common Mistakes
- Using 'lean to' or 'lean at' incorrectly for the support meaning. *"I lean to my friends" is wrong. Confusing the object: you lean on a *person* for emotional support, but on a *thing* for physical support.
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence does 'lean on' mean to apply pressure or intimidate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is neutral but common in both informal and formal contexts. The 'pressure/intimidate' sense is more informal.
Yes, for physical support ("lean on the wall"). For abstract support, it's typically used with people or institutions ("lean on our expertise").
They are often synonyms for support. 'Lean on' can imply a greater need or a more active seeking of support, and it also has the unique negative meaning of 'pressure'.
Not directly. The related concept is 'support' or 'dependence'. The idiom 'a leaning post' or 'a shoulder to lean on' captures the noun form of the concept.