Meaning of lean on | Babel Free

Definitions

1. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see lean, on.
2. To depend upon for support; to require assistance from.
   figuratively
3. To put pressure on; to attempt to compel a person to do something; to exert influence on.
4. To criticize or reprimand for the purpose of changing behavior.

Equivalents

Examples

“I wish to acknowledge my supervisors (including my unofficial supervisors) who I have leaned on greatly to create a thesis (hopefully) worth reading.”

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

“[ Scott Gottlieb ] argues that putting dairy and nondairy milks under the same umbrella dupes consumers into thinking the two are nutritional equals, which, according to him, could have potentially dire consequences such as rickets in toddlers. […] Of course, a more cynical read of the situation posits that Big Dairy is leaning on the FDA to discredit plant milks, the industry’s biggest competition, as a viable substitute for cow’s milk.”

CEFR level