lean on
Depend on someone to help you, or push someone to do what you want.
Meanings
To depend on someone for emotional support or practical help, especially during a difficult time.
"She really leaned on her sister during those tough months after the divorce."
"Lean on me, when you're not strong, and I'll be your friend."
— Bill Withers, 'Lean on Me', 1972
To put pressure on someone, often through intimidation or coercion, to make them do something.
"The union leaders were accused of leaning on workers to vote a certain way."
To rest your body weight against someone or something for physical support.
"He leaned on the fence and watched the cattle in the field."
The 'rely on for support' sense is very common and generally positive. The 'put pressure on / intimidate' sense is informal and carries a negative connotation. Also used literally (lean your body weight on something or someone). Bill Withers' song 'Lean on Me' (1972) made the emotional support sense very well known globally.
Commonly used with
Forms
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