rely on
B1 neutral inseparable transitive
In simple words
to trust someone or something to help you
Literal meaning: to lean your trust on something
Meanings
1 B1
idiomatic
neutral
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
Grammar: inseparable
2 B1
idiomatic
neutral
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
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Very common in everyday and academic English. It can refer to people, systems, routines, evidence, or resources.
Commonly used with
support help evidence data friends family
Forms
Base
rely on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
relies on
he/she/it
Past simple
relied on
yesterday
Past participle
relied on
have + pp
-ing form
relying on
continuous
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Synonyms
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