lean into

Verb

lean into (third-person singular simple present leans into, present participle leaning into, simple past and past participle leaned into or leant into)

1. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see lean, into.
   • When we work a line with our thumbs we lean into it with our bodyweight.2009, Howard Derek Evans, A Myofascial Approach to Thai Massage, →ISBN
   • I tried to imagine how it would feel to lean into his embrace, feel his arms around me . .2010, Neta Jackson, Who Do I Lean On?, →ISBN, page 158
2. To make an effort with; to work hard at; to show determination and perseverance.
   • Hartman leaned into his work like he would lean into a winter blizzard, Grandma's tearful conniptions merely the whining of the wind.2005, Susan Edsall, Into the Blue: A Father's Flight and a Daughter's Return, →ISBN
   • Just as a fiddler can “lean into” the bow, you can “lean into” the breath.2011, Grey E. Larsen, The Essential Tin Whistle Toolbox, →ISBN
3. To embrace; to experience fully or respond to wholeheartedly.
   • But we also threw in the third question to help people lean into their own feelings and experiences.2003, Don Everts, Douglas Scott, Jesus with Dirty Feet Discussion Guide, →ISBN
   • Oftentimes, success happens when you just lean into it—when you make yourself open to opportunities and are willing to do what it takes to pursue it further—without a contract, without a promise of success, without any expectation whatsoever.2005, Jack Canfield, The Success Principles
4. To take on or embrace something difficult or unpleasant, usually through determination or perseverance; to find a way to benefit from, or alleviate the harm of, risk, uncertainty and difficult situations.
   • In other words, you will pay not just later, but more. Lean into your discomfort.1998, William Wallace, Living Again: A Personal Journey for Surviving Spouses, →ISBN, page 108
   • There's nothing to do but mourn, and the pain will disappear a lot faster if you lean into it.2005, Martha Beck, Wisdom from Finding Your Own North Star, →ISBN, page 47