lean

[liːn]

lean Definition

• 1. to incline or bend from a vertical position
• 2. to rely on or trust in someone or something
• 3. to have a tendency or preference towards something

Using lean: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "lean" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The tower leans slightly to the left.

• Example

  She leaned on her friend for support during a difficult time.

• Example

  I lean towards vegetarianism but still eat meat occasionally.

• Example

  He leaned over to pick up the pen.

lean Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for lean

• tilt
• incline
• tip
• angle
• trust
• depend
• rely
• prefer
• slant
• favor

Antonyms for lean

• straighten
• upright
• distrust
• dislike
• stand

Idioms Using lean

• lean and hungry look

  a facial expression that suggests a person is ambitious and eager to succeed

  Example

  He had a lean and hungry look about him, which made his colleagues think he was gunning for a promotion.

• lean over backwards

  to make a great effort to do something, especially to help or please someone

  Example

  The company leaned over backwards to accommodate the needs of their clients.

• lean on one's shovel

  to stand idly by and do nothing, especially while others are working

  Example

  The boss caught him leaning on his shovel and told him to get back to work.

Phrases with lean

• lean and mean

  a phrase used to describe a person or organization that is efficient and effective, often with limited resources

  Example

  The startup company was lean and mean, with a small team that worked hard and achieved great success.

• lean on someone

  to rely on someone for help or support

  Example

  During the tough times, she leaned on her family for emotional support.

• lean towards something

  to have a tendency or preference towards something

  Example

  I'm leaning towards taking the job offer, but I haven't made a final decision yet.

Origins of lean

from Old English 'hleonian', meaning 'to bend or recline'

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Summary: lean in Brief

The verb 'lean' [liːn] means to incline or bend from a vertical position, to rely on or trust in someone or something, or to have a tendency or preference towards something. It can be used literally, as in 'The tower leans slightly to the left,' or figuratively, as in 'She leaned on her friend for support during a difficult time.' 'Lean' also appears in idioms like 'lean and mean,' describing an efficient and effective person or organization, and 'lean over backwards,' meaning to make a great effort to help or please someone.