lean in
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle in
Meanings
Move your body forward toward something
Why “in”? A person, vehicle, message, or result reaches a place or becomes present there.
“She leaned in to hear better.”
“He leaned in toward the screen.”
Don't confuse with
Lean in means move your body forward toward something. Lean on means pressure someone strongly to do something.
Test yourself
“She leaned in to hear better.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
lean on
A contrast learners often mix up
Pressure someone strongly to do something
ask in
Same in pattern: arrival
Invite someone to enter your home
barge in
Same in pattern: arrival
Enter a place rudely without permission
break in
Same in pattern: arrival
Enter a building illegally by force; Interrupt a conversation and begin speaking
bring in
Same in pattern: arrival
Introduce someone or something into a discussion or organisation; Earn money for a person or business; Introduce a new law, system or rule; Deliver a verdict in a court
burst in
Same in pattern: arrival
Enter a place suddenly and forcefully
call in
Same in pattern: arrival
Visit a place briefly, often on the way somewhere; Phone a workplace or radio station; Ask experts or professionals to come and help; Demand the return of money lent
cash in
Same in pattern: arrival
Take advantage of a situation for profit
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