Phrase guide

lean on

verb · 5 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see lean, on.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • They sat there leaning on their elbows.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To depend upon for support; to require assistance from.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: figuratively

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

To put pressure on; to attempt to compel a person to do something; to exert influence on.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • He didn't make a donation until some of his customers leaned on him.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

4

verb

Meaning 4

To criticize or reprimand for the purpose of changing behavior.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

5

verb

Meaning 5

rest on for support

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • you can lean on me if you get tired

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: rest on, lean against

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: touch, adjoin, meet, contact

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

5 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Armenian: հենվել (henvel) — to depend upon someone's shoulder for support
  • Māori: pahiwi — to depend upon someone's shoulder for support
  • Polish: liczyć na — to depend upon someone's shoulder for support
  • Polish: polegać na — to depend upon someone's shoulder for support
  • Turkish: dayanmak — to depend upon someone's shoulder for support