rest on/upon

phrasal verb

rested on/upon; resting on/upon; rests on/upon

: to depend or rely on (someone or something)

All our hopes rested on one man.

: to stop moving and look at (someone or something)

His eyes/gaze rested on the letter.

: to be based on (something)

His theory rested upon two important pieces of evidence.

Examples of rest on/upon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

The fault for that certainly doesn’t rest on Binnington’s shoulders. —

Chris Johnston, The Athletic, 11 Feb. 2025 Your left hand can rest on the ground or a block for balance. —

Cory Martin, Verywell Health, 3 Feb. 2025 Concepts like the Blue Zone Theory—which purports that people living in certain areas of the world hold the secrets to longevity—rest on shaky science, according to critics. —

Corey Buhay, Outside Online, 1 Feb. 2025 The musical’s hopes of defying gravity rest on acting nominations for Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, with one needing to secure a win. —

Clayton Davis, Variety, 30 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for rest on/upon

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“Rest on/upon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rest%20on%2Fupon. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

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