CEFR B1

lean on

verb

Meaning

To depend on someone or something for support, especially in difficult times.

She's been leaning on her family for emotional support since her husband passed away.
I don't want to be a burden, but I really need someone to lean on right now.

Synonyms: rely on, depend on, count on, bank on

verb

Pronunciation: /ˌliːn ˈɒn/

To depend on someone or something for support, especially in difficult times.

She's been leaning on her family for emotional support since her husband passed away.
I don't want to be a burden, but I really need someone to lean on right now.
The company is leaning on its suppliers to absorb some of the increased costs.

lean on someone (prepositional phrase): To depend on a person for emotional or practical support. — "She always leans on her best friend when she has problems."
lean on something (prepositional phrase): To use an object or idea as a source of support or justification. — "The argument leans on statistical data that may be outdated."
lean on the door/wall (collocation): To physically rest your weight against a surface. — "He was leaning on the counter, waiting for his coffee."

Words with a similar meaning to lean on:

Words with the opposite meaning to lean on: