lean (redirected from leant towards)

bend/lean over backwards to do something (British, American & Australian, Australian)

to try very hard to do something, especially to help or please someone else. Banks are bending over backwards to help those in difficulties.

See also: backward, bend, over

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lean on someone/something

1. to depend on someone or something. The children leaned on each other for help and comfort. Verplank leaned on his experience as a waiter to figure out how to behave when he met the prince.

2. to put pressure on someone or something to get what you want. The Spanish teacher had to lean on the school principal to get new textbooks for the class.

lean over backwards

to try very hard. She and her staff will lean over backwards to see that you are satisfied with their services.

Usage notes: usually used to describe efforts to help or please someone

fall all over yourself (to do something)

See also: backward, over