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