1
general::
Phrase(s): lean on someone
Fig. to try to make someone do something; to coerce someone to do something. (From lean on someone or something.) • If she refuses to do it, lean on her a bit. • Don’t lean on me! I don’t have to do it if I don’t want to., Phrase(s): lean on someone or something
1. Lit. to incline or press on someone or something. • Don’t lean on me. I’m not strong enough to support both of us. • Lean on the wall and rest a little while. 2. Fig. to depend on someone or something. • You lean on your parents too much. You must be more independent. • You can’t lean on the government forever.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
1. Rely on, depend on, as in He's leaning on me for help. [Mid-1400s] 2. Exert pressure on one, especially to obtain something or make one do something against his or her will. For example, The gangsters were leaning on local storekeepers to pay them protection money. [Colloquial; mid-1900s]
American Heritage Idioms