to incline or bend from a vertical position, to rely on or trust in someone or something, to have a tendency or preference towards something

lean and hungry look, lean over backwards, lean on one's shovel

lean and mean, lean on someone, lean towards something

Formal and Informal Expressions of lean

In different contexts, you can replace 'lean' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'rely on, have a tendency towards' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'count on, be into' is a commonplace synonym.

lean: Explore its Definition & Usage

lean Definition

1to incline or bend from a vertical position
2to rely on or trust in someone or something
3to 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

Antonyms for lean

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.