lean

lean¹ S3 [li:n] v past tense and past participle leaned or leant [lent] especially BrE

[: Old English; Origin: hleonian]

1.) [I always + adverb/preposition]

to move or bend your body in a particular direction

lean forward/back/over etc

▪ They were leaning forward, facing each other.

▪ Lean back and enjoy the ride.

▪ She leant towards him and listened.

2.) [I always + adverb/preposition]

to support yourself in a sloping position against a wall or other surface

lean against/on

▪ He was leaning on the bridge, watching the boats go by.

3.) [I,T always + adverb/preposition]

to put something in a sloping position where it is supported, or to be in that position

lean (sth) against/on sth

▪ A huge mirror was leaning against the wall.

▪ He leant his bicycle against the fence.

4.)

to slope or bend from an upright position

▪ trees leaning in the wind

lean on [lean on sb] [i]phr v

1.) to depend on someone for support and encouragement, especially at a difficult time

▪ The couple lean on each other for support.

2.) informal to try to influence someone, especially by threatening them

▪ They won't pay unless you lean on them.

lean towards [lean towards sth] phr v

to tend to support, or begin to support, a particular set of opinions, beliefs etc

▪ Canada, the UK and Japan leant towards the US view.

lean ²

lean² adj

[: Old English; Origin: hlAne]

1.) thin in a healthy and attractive way

▪ He was lean, tall, and muscular.

see usage note ↑thin¹

2.) lean meat does not have much fat on it

≠ ↑fatty

3.) a lean organization, company etc uses only as much money and as many people as it needs, so that nothing is wasted

4.) a lean period is a very difficult time because there is not enough money, business etc

▪ His wife was a source of constant support during the lean years .

>leanness n [U]