to need or trust someone or something for help, support, or success
to trust someone or something to help you
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
to depend on someone or something for support, help, or what you need
"Many small businesses rely on local customers."
You can fool some of the people all of the time, and those are the ones you want to concentrate on.
— George W. Bush, quoted remark; not a reliable fit for this phrasal verb
to trust that someone will do what they promised or that something will happen as expected
"I'm relying on you to lock the door before you leave."
I rely on my wife so much. She's my best friend.
— Public celebrity interview usage
to lean your trust on something
to trust someone or something to help you
Very common in everyday and academic English. It can refer to people, systems, routines, evidence, or resources.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Listen to native speakers using "rely on" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.