2
general::
lean ( sth ) against/on sth
to sit or stand with part of your body touching something as a support
• He leaned against the wall.
• She leaned her head on his shoulder., lean sth against/on sth
to put something against a wall or other surface so that it is supported
• She leant the brush against the wall., lean on sb
informal
to try to make someone do what you want by threatening or persuading them
• We may have to lean on them a bit if we want our money., lean on sb/sth
to use someone or something to help you, especially in a difficult situation
• He's always had his big brother to lean on.
Cambridge-Phrasal Verbs
3
general::
verb ADV. heavily | lightly | slightly | casually, easily, lazily, nonchalantly | eagerly | earnestly | confidentially, confidingly, conspiratorially | weakly, wearily | drunkenly | precariously | close, near He leaned closer, lowering his voice. | across, forward, down, out, over She leant forward eagerly to listen to him. | away, back, backwards He leaned back in his chair. | sideways PREP. across She was leaning confidentially across the table. | against She leaned her head against his shoulder. | into He leaned into the open doorway. | on The old man was leaning heavily on a stick. | out of She leaned precariously out of the window. | over She leaned casually over the railings. | through The taxi driver leaned through his window. | towards He leaned towards her. PHRASAL VERBS lean on sb/sth ADV. heavily Britain leans heavily on Europe for trade.
Oxford Collocations Dictionary