lean on

verb

leaned on; leaning on; leans on

transitive verb

: to apply pressure to

They were leaning on the governor to pass the law.

Examples of lean on in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Trent Von Ahsen of Cedar Point Capital Partners also told Fortune his clients are leaning on mentorship and phased wealth transfers rather than lump-sum inheritances. — Sydney Lake, Fortune, 6 Oct. 2026

And the Braves used six pitchers, leaning on right-hander Didier Fuentes for 3⅔ innings, to hold the Dodgers to two solo homers. — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026

The Cowboys are also leaning on several young players to play key roles. — Jeff Howe, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026

When Norland tried to disrupt him, the Titans leaned on their running game. — D’joumbarey Moreau, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1960, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for lean on

• anton
• argon
• axon
• baronne
• baryon
• baton
• boron
• buisson
• bygone
• capon
• cardon
• chiffon