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

The project, often called the Turquoise tower, is also leaning on another state law, California’s density bonus law, to bypass the neighborhood height limit, boost its residential unit count and maximize commercial density. —Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Feb. 2026

The $62 billion retail giant Colgate-Palmolive is leaning on the young digital natives to help the heritage brand grow; Sally Massey, chief human resources officer at Colgate, told Fortune that Gen Zers come with in-demand skillsets and fresh perspectives on the future of work. —Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 1 Feb. 2026

How the Standard Story Keeps Repeating Traditional advice leans on mutual funds, exchange funds, and other prepackaged products. —Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 1 Feb. 2026

Though the memories remain fresh, the filmmakers made use of a clever storytelling device by leaning on the power of images. —Daniel Brown, New York Times, 1 Feb. 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