leaning on

Verb

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

1. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see lean, on.
   • They sat there leaning on their elbows.
2. (figuratively) To depend upon for support; to require assistance from.
   • I wish to acknowledge my supervisors (including my unofficial supervisors) who I have leaned on greatly to create a thesis (hopefully) worth reading.2020, Angus Charles Lindsay, "Swallowing the Black Pill: A Qualitative Exploration of Incel Antifeminism within Digital Society", thesis submitted to Victoria University of Wellington...
3. To put pressure on; to attempt to compel a person to do something; to exert influence on.
   • He didn't make a donation until some of his customers leaned on him.
4. To criticize or reprimand for the purpose of changing behavior.