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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Losing Prescott is sure to add some huge complications for the offense, but the Cowboys have Cooper Rush and Trey Lance to lean on while Prescott heals. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024 With the trade deadline approaching Tuesday, the Rams need to lean on their never-waver wire, guys such as Matthew Stafford and Demarcus Robinson — who combined for the winning touchdown in overtime — and Cooper Kupp making a key block to give the quarterback an extra half-second of protection. Sam Farmer, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2024 The organization has often leaned on the C-suite, persuading executives to back such policies well before they were required by law. Bloomberg, The Mercury News, 4 Nov. 2024 While these seasonings have a lot of the same flavors and properties, Creole seasoning tends to lean on the herbaceous and earthy side. Amanda Holstein, Southern Living, 3 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for lean on 

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1960, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lean on was circa 1960

Dictionary Entries Near lean on

Cite this Entry

“Lean on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lean%20on. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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