lean1 verblean2 adjective
leanlean1 /liːn/ ●●○ S3 verb (past tense and past participle leaned or leant /lent/ especially British English) 
WORD ORIGINlean1
Origin:
Old English hleonianVERB TABLE
lean
| Simple Form | ||
| Present | I, you, we, they | lean |
| he, she, it | leans | |
| Past | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | leaned (BrE), leant (BrE), leaned (AmE) |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have leaned (BrE), leant (BrE), leaned (AmE) |
| he, she, it | has leaned (BrE), leant (BrE), leaned (AmE) | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had leaned (BrE), leant (BrE), leaned (AmE) |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will lean |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have leaned (BrE), leant (BrE), leaned (AmE) |
| Continuous Form | ||
| Present | I | am leaning |
| he, she, it | is leaning | |
| you, we, they | are leaning | |
| Past | I, he, she, it | was leaning |
| you, we, they | were leaning | |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have been leaning |
| he, she, it | has been leaning | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had been leaning |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will be leaning |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have been leaning |
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- All of the trees were leaning in the wind.
- I leaned back on the pillows and closed my eyes.
- It's sometimes considered bad manners to lean your elbows on the table when you're eating.
- Joe leaned on the gate and watched as they drove away.
- Joe was leaning against the school wall, smoking a cigarette.
- She leaned on the railings and looked out at the sea.
- She leaned the ladder against the house and climbed up to the window.
- Soldiers leaned their M-16 rifles up against their tables as they ate.
- And she leans so far forward to his match that even clear across the room I could see down her blouse.
- David was driving and Shaun was leaning over.
- First the old man dead on the beach, leaning against the railing.
- He leant forward on the table, emphasising the points with a thin finger.
- He opened the gate, walked up the drive, and stopped, staring at the bicycle leaning against the wall.
- He was leaning down, his spear arm back, the gleaming bronze blade wavering as it came towards her.
- I leant across to her and asked whether I should pay the Rao directly and if so how much.
- Petey, leaning against a post, looked pissed off.
Longman Language Activatorto try hard to persuade someone
also pressure American to keep trying to persuade someone to do something by using threats or unfair influence: · Threats of dismissal were intended to put pressure on the strikers.· Some of the girls started having sex mainly because their boyfriends were pressuring them.put pressure on somebody to do something: · Her parents put pressure on her and her boyfriend to get married.pressure somebody to do something: · Residents are pressuring the mayor to let them manage their own housing association.
informal to use threats or influence to persuade someone to do something: · If the US wants to get South American governments to lean on drug growers, it'll have to be prepared to offer something in return.lean on somebody to do something: · New members have been leaning on Senate leaders to make some changes.
informal to persuade someone to do something they have said they do not want to do - use this humorously when the person will really enjoy what you have persuaded them to do: · I'm sure he would never have come if I hadn't twisted his arm a little.· "Go on, have another drink." "Oh well, if you twist my arm."
to put something in a sloping position to put something in a sloping position so that it is against a wall or other surface and is supported by it: · She leaned the ladder against the house and climbed up to the window.lean something (up) against something: · Soldiers leaned their M-16 rifles up against their tables as they ate.
to put something against a surface so that it is supported by it: rest something on/against something: · She slid down in her chair and rested her head on the back of the seat.· Resting his spade against the wall, he went to help Michael light the fire.
to lean something in an almost upright position against something such as a wall: stand something against/in etc: · Maggie stood her bicycle against the wall of the shed.· Just stand it in the corner, so it doesn't fall.
to lean something against a wall or other surface, especially quickly and for a short time: prop something against something: · He propped his bicycle against the fence and ran inside.stand/lie propped against something: · An old guitar lay propped against a wall.
to be in a standing position to be on your feet in an upright position: · There were no seats, so we had to stand.stand next to/beside/in etc: · I was standing next to the entrance.· A young girl stood in the doorway, sheltering from the rain.· When we entered, he was standing by his desk.· A hundred policemen stood arm-in-arm in front of the cathedral.stand doing something (=stand while you are doing something): · She stood watching him as he turned to go.stand and do something: · I stood and stared at him in amazement.stand up straight (=with your back and legs straight): · The ceilings were so low that Mark couldn't stand up straight.stand still (=stand without moving): · Stand still while I brush your hair.· He stood still, his feet rooted to the ground in fear.
to stand rather than be sitting, lying down, or kneeling: · It's generally better to do this exercise standing up.· The seats were all taken and we had to stand up all the way from Tokyo to Nagoya.
to be standing, especially for a long time, with the result that you feel tired - use this especially about people who have to stand and walk a lot in their jobs: · You go. I've been on my feet all day, and I need a rest.· She'd been on her feet all morning without once sitting down.
also on your tiptoes standing on your toes, especially when you stretch your body in order to see something or reach something: · She was up on her tiptoes, with her arm about his neck.stand on tiptoe: · She stood on her tiptoes to open the high window.· People were standing on tiptoe to try and see what was happening.
to stand while resting part of your body against a wall, a table etc: lean against/on: · Kay was leaning against the wall, smoking a cigarette.· Joe leaned on the gate and watched as they drove away.
to use something to support yourself to support your body or part of your body by putting it on or against a surface such as a wall or a table: lean against: · Joe was leaning against the school wall, smoking a cigarette.lean on: · She leaned on the railings and looked out at the sea.lean your head/arms/elbows etc on: · It's sometimes considered bad manners to lean your elbows on the table when you're eating.lean back on/against something: · I leaned back on the pillows and closed my eyes.
to support your body or part of your body by putting it lightly on or against something: rest on: · Her head rested gently on his shoulder.· John rested his head on the back of the car-seat.rest against: · I rested against a wall for a minute in order to tie up my shoe laces.
to help yourself stand or sit straight by supporting your body against something, especially when you are ill or injured: · The soldier tried to prop himself up again using his crutches.prop yourself up against/on: · I propped myself up against a wall and took a deep breath.
to prevent yourself from falling by using a stick or by holding onto someone or something, especially because you are injured or weak: · They walked out together, the old man supporting himself with his stick.· Jessica managed to support herself by putting her arm around Gary's neck.
if you use something such as a stick or another person for support , you use it or hold onto them in order to prevent yourself from falling: · As he fell over he grabbed at the table for support.· She moved towards Andrew, seeking his arm for support.· He's able to walk around on his own now, although he has to use a cane for support.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES
He leaned forward, his elbows resting on the table. Companies are put off investing in poor areas because of the meagre pickings to be had.COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADVERB
· He leant back in his chair and took out his pipe.
He leaned forward, his elbows resting on the table. (=with little fat)· Try to eat more lean meat, fish and chicken.
Companies are put off investing in poor areas because of the meagre pickings to be had.· Holmes is alone, leaning back in his chair, reading a manuscript piled on his desk.· And he leans back against his chair and waits.· If you find that your landings are rather flat, lean back more as you come down.· I lean back into my own corner of the porch swing and hold on to myself.· Beneath a canvas awning strung between two trees, several guys leaning back on their elbows were passing a small jug.· He was leaning back in his chair smoking a long, fat cigarette in a stubby black holder.· B closes her eyes and leans back.
· Then she leant backwards so that her back was arched across my chest.· In figure A the pelvis is pushed forward so that the man is leaning backwards.· Are you leaning backwards or forwards?
· At half-past five he leant closer to the window and strained to see into the flat opposite.· Smooth her hair? Lean closer?· Rodomonte leant closer and dropped the rock in shock.
· He finished, oblivious to the bustle of the street, before leaning down and taking the child's tiny hand.· Bill might lean down and poke the crumbling framework.· He was leaning down, his spear arm back, the gleaming bronze blade wavering as it came towards her.· Nicholas leant down and ruffled his cold hair.· He leant down, put his arms on her shoulders and lifted her up.· She leans down to me real close and I can smell it - the gin.· The man leant down so that his face was close to the window.· As Peter leant down to pick up the knife the door swung closed and Jack kicked it again.
· A shiver passed through his whole body and then he leant forward and wept, head between his knees.· I tensed on the controls, involuntarily leaning forward, ready to take off.· Then, leaning forward, she picked an olive out of the glass dish in front of them and held it between thumb and forefinger.· I gave her the same little squeeze, easing my foot across the toe of her right shoe and leaning forward slightly.· She was still sitting down, leaning forward in her chair, burning at him with her round eyes.· Dexter leant forward across the table to hear better what was about to be said.· Strapped in, Leese released the inertial reel lock so that he could lean forward to do the cockpit check.
· Not leaning forwards as you rise. 4.· Stretch arms up high, then slowly lean forwards as far as you can without straining.· Remember not to lean forwards as you do the exercise.· Do not lean forwards as you block since this will bring your chin close to the opponent's other fist.· I'd imagined her leaning forwards and smiling, but not looking like this, somehow.· Her way of leaning forwards, eyes sparkling, fingers almost touching the priest's black sleeve, made Thérèse squirm.· You then sweep hard into the pad and try to spin your partner without leaning forwards or over-committing yourself.· Slowly lean forwards as far as possible without straining.
· He seemed to fall asleep, leaning heavily on to Cameron.· In movies like this, there is a great temptation to lean heavily on the melodrama.· Fran leant heavily on the rail, feeling cold tentacles of shock closing around her heart.· The economy of the Soviet Union leans heavily toward a centrally planned economy.
· Alan Strachan is a rock to lean on.· Both are marginally functional, and desperate for some one to lean on.· Find a stick or something I can lean on.· Right in itself has no author-ity; it leans on might as the creeper on the tree.· Religion is something solid for people to lean on.· Credit position coach Larry Kirksey for developing a young group of wide receivers without Rice to lean on.· There was nothing like a horse for leaning on, complaining to, arguing with.· Tactful, encouraging, a tower of strength to lean on.
· Elinor leaning over the crazy gate and Otley with his field glasses.· Some one vomited lazily in a wastebasket, leaning over with his hands on his knees.· Some one was standing on the parapet, leaning over and looking down.· He had to lean over to hear me.· She leant over to him as he fastened it around her throat.· It seemed like Penny was talking to Mike a lot, whispering to him, leaning over.· That silhouette leaning over the railing of the darkened veranda just beyond her window was definitely his.· Pamela leans over and kisses him.
PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES
1[intransitive always + adverb/preposition] to move or bend your body in a particular directionlean forward/back/over etc- Craig sighed and leaned back in his chair.
- But no one can sit back in investment clubs and just listen.
- He must generate all his own internal discipline against the possible inclination to lie back and enjoy his good fortune.
- He sat back on his heels, sorrowfully examining the ruined glove.
- He walked without hesitation to the very front row, sat down and lay back, gazing up at the screen.
- She heard him returning just as she sat back to admire her handiwork.
- Then she lay back on her pillow and they looked at each other as if it was for the first time.
- We started to sit back because we were up on the No. 1 team in the nation.
- Whatever some think, we don't sit back.
- Outside the trees are bending over backwards to please the wind: the shining sword grass flattens on its belly.
- Stuart was leaning over backwards to see Oliver's point of view.
- The authors, however, bend over backwards to avoid consideration of that particular class scenario.
- The Gallery is also bending over backwards to boost attendance, and in doing so is rather alarmingly bowing to populist pressures.
- They also needed to stop rationalizing the problem to themselves and bending over backwards to be fair.
- You should bend over backwards to avoid bitter personal rows and the holding of grudges.
They were leaning forward, facing each other. Lean back and enjoy the ride. She leant towards him and listened.2[intransitive always + adverb/preposition] to support yourself in a sloping position against a wall or other surfacelean against/on He was leaning on the bridge, watching the boats go by.3[intransitive, transitive always + adverb/preposition] to put something in a sloping position where it is supported, or to be in that positionlean (something) against/on something A huge mirror was leaning against the wall. He leant his bicycle against the fence.4[intransitive] to slope or bend from an upright position: trees leaning in the windlean on somebody phrasal verb1to depend on someone for support and encouragement, especially at a difficult time: The couple lean on each other for support.2informal to try to influence someone, especially by threatening them: He won’t pay unless you lean on him.lean towards something phrasal verb 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.lean1 verblean2 adjective
leanlean2 adjective WORD ORIGINlean2
Origin:
Old English hlæneEXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- a lean and athletic man
- a lean year for business
- At seventy-two my grandfather was lean and strong and I expected him to live forever.
- He's a very handsome man: tall, lean and tanned with thick blond hair.
- She had a runner's lean physique and an overall healthy glow.
- A company with severe cash flow problems may have no choice but to run a lean inventory operation.
- For what seemed an age, she studied his features, strong lean features which she had come to know so well.
- He was tragic looking, lean.
- In this age of lean corporations, more workers are expected to work overtime.
- It is lean production at its meanest.
- Operating efficiency ratios show that Technosystems runs a lean operation, with all ratios above the industry averages.
THESAURUSperson
having little fat on your body: · a tall, thin man
thin in an attractive way: · her slim figure· a slim woman in her fifties· Magazines are always full of advice about how to stay slim.
written thin in an attractive and graceful way – used especially about parts of the body, and used especially about women: · her long, slender legs· She is slender, with very fair hair.
thin and looking healthy and fit: · his lean body· He was lean and looked like a runner.
very thin in a way that is not attractive: · a skinny teenager· Your arms are so skinny!
written thin and delicate: · a small, slight girl with big eyes
very thin, small, and weak-looking: · a scrawny kid in blue jeans
below the usual weight for someone of your height, and therefore too thin: · He had no appetite and remained underweight.
written very thin and pale, especially because of illness or continued worry: · He looked gaunt and had not shaved for days.
written extremely thin and weak, because you are ill or not getting enough to eat: · The tents were filled with emaciated refugees.
written used about someone who is so thin that you can see the shape of their bones: · The soldiers were shocked by the skeletal figures of the camp’s prisoners.
used about someone who is extremely thin because they have a mental illness that makes them stop eating: · Her daughter is anorexic.· anorexic teenagers
Longman Language Activatorthin and strong-looking thin and physically fit, especially because you do a lot of exercise or physical work: · He's a very handsome man: tall, lean and tanned with thick blond hair.· At seventy-two my grandfather was lean and strong and I expected him to live forever.· She had a runner's lean physique and an overall healthy glow.
a man or boy who is wiry is thin and strong, though often not very tall: · Father Vic was a wiry man in his late forties with a sharp nose and deep-set eyes.· a wiry little Broadway show dancer from Puerto Rico
WORD SETSabalone, nounacetic acid, nounadditive, nounaftertaste, nounà la carte, adjectiveal dente, adjectivealfresco, adjectiveambrosia, nounangelica, nounaniseed, nounantipasto, nounappetizer, nounarrowroot, nounbad, adjectivebaker, nounbaking powder, nounbaking soda, nounbanana split, nounbanger, nounbanquet, nounbanqueting hall, nounbarbie, nounbarley, nounbasil, nounbass, nounbatch, nounbay leaf, nounBBQ, nounbean, nounbean curd, nounbeansprout, nounbeef, nounbeefburger, nounbeefsteak, nounbeet, nounbell pepper, nounberry, nounbetel, nounbetel nut, nounbicarbonate of soda, nounbilberry, nounbill of fare, nounbinge, nounbinge, verbbistro, nounblackberry, nounblack-eyed bean, nounblack pepper, nounblack pudding, nounblend, verbblend, nounblueberry, nounboard, nounbolt, verbbone, verbbon vivant, nounbony, adjectivebox lunch, nounbramble, nounbran, nounbrandy butter, nounbrasserie, nounbrawn, nounbreakfast, nounbrisket, nounbroiler, nounbroiler chicken, nounbroth, nounbrown rice, nounbrunch, nounbubble gum, nounbuckwheat, nounbuffet, nounbun, nounbus, verbbusboy, nounbutcher, nounbutcher, verbbutchery, nounbuttercream, nounbutty, nouncafé, nouncafeteria, nouncaff, nouncaffeine, nouncake, nouncan, verbcandy, nouncanned, adjectivecapon, nouncapsicum, nouncaraway, nouncarbohydrate, nouncare package, nouncarvery, nouncassava, nouncater, verbcaterer, nouncatering, nouncatsup, nouncatwalk, nouncayenne pepper, nouncereal, nouncheese, nounchef, nouncherry tomato, nounchickpea, nounchilli, nounChinese, nounchip shop, nounchives, nounchocolate, nounchocolatey, adjectiveChristmas dinner, nounchuck steak, nouncitric acid, nouncitron, nounclotted cream, nounclub sandwich, nouncob, nouncobbler, nouncocoa, nouncocoa bean, nouncoconut milk, nouncoffee house, nouncoffee shop, nouncold cuts, nouncold storage, nouncold store, nouncommissary, nounconcentrate, nouncondensed milk, nouncondiment, nouncone, nounconfection, nounconfectioner, nounconfectioner's sugar, nounconfectionery, nounconserve, nouncontent, nouncontinental breakfast, nounconvenience food, nouncook-chill, adjectivecooker, nouncookie, nouncooking, nouncooking oil, nouncorn bread, nouncorn chip, nouncorncob, nouncorned beef, nouncornet, nouncornflakes, nouncornflour, nouncornmeal, nouncorn on the cob, nouncorn pone, nouncornstarch, nouncorn syrup, nouncottage cheese, nouncotton candy, nouncourgette, nouncourse, nouncover charge, nouncrab, nouncrab apple, nouncracker, nouncrackling, nouncranberry, nouncrayfish, nouncream, nouncream cheese, nouncream cracker, nouncreamer, nouncreamy, adjectivecress, nouncrisp, nouncrisp, adjectivecrispbread, nouncrispy, adjectivecroissant, nouncroquette, nouncrouton, nouncrumb, nouncrumpet, nouncrunchy, adjectivecrust, nouncrusty, adjectivecrystallized, adjectivecucumber, nouncud, nouncuisine, nouncupcake, nouncurd, nouncurdle, verbcurrant, nouncustard, nouncut, nouncutlet, noundainty, nounDanish pastry, noundate, noundefrost, verbdelicacy, noundemerara sugar, noundesiccated, adjectivedevilled, adjectivedevour, verbdiabetic, adjectivedigest, verbdigestible, adjectivedill, noundill pickle, noundine, verbdiner, noundining car, noundinner, noundinner dance, noundinner party, noundinner theater, noundinnertime, noundissolve, verbdoggy bag, noundoily, noundollop, noundough, noundown, verbdrain, verbdredge, verbdried, adjectivedried fruit, noundripping, noundrumstick, noundry goods, noundunk, verbEaster egg, nouneat, verbeatery, nouneating apple, nouneats, nounEccles cake, nounéclair, nounEdam, nounedible, adjectiveeel, nounegg, nouneggplant, nounegg roll, nounelevenses, nounendive, nounEnglish breakfast, nounEnglish muffin, nounentrée, nounepicure, nounescalope, nounevaporated milk, nounfast food, nounfeed, verbfeed, nounfeta cheese, nounfig, nounfilbert, nounfillet, verbfilling, adjectivefilling, nounfilo, nounflounder, nounfloury, adjectiveflyblown, adjectivefoil, nounfoodstuff, nounforage, nounfork, verbfortify, verbfreeze-dried, adjectiveFrench bean, nounFrench bread, nounFrench dressing, nounFrench fry, nounFrench loaf, nounFrench stick, nounfries, nounfromage frais, nounfrozen, adjectivefruit, nounfudge, nounfull-fat, adjectivegaram masala, noungarlic, noungarnish, noungarnish, verbgastronomic, adjectivegastronomy, noungel, verbginger, nounglass, nounglassware, noungolden raisin, noungoody, noungourmand, noungrain, nounGranary, adjectivegranulated, adjectivegreasy, adjectivegreasy spoon, noungreen, adjectivegrill, noungristle, noungrocer, nounground, adjectiveground beef, noungrub, noungruel, nounguava, noungum, noungumball, noungumbo, noungumdrop, nounhalal, adjectivehalibut, nounham, nounhamburger, nounhaunch, nounhead table, nounhealth food, nounheart, nounhearty, adjectiveheat, nounherb, nounhigh tea, nounhome economics, nounhot dish, nounhygiene, nounhygienic, adjectiveiceman, nounindigestible, adjectiveindigestion, nouninedible, adjectiveinfected, adjectiveingest, verbinn, nouninsipid, adjectiveintake, nounirradiate, verbjellied, adjectivejoint, nounjuice, nounjuicy, adjectivejunk, nounjunk food, nounknuckle, nounkosher, adjectivelaxative, nounlean, adjectiveleavings, nounleg, nounlight, adjectiveliquorice, nounlive, adjectiveloaf, nounlocker, nounloin, nounlotus, nounlukewarm, adjectivelump, nounlunch, nounlunch, verblunchbox, nounlunch break, nounluncheon, nounlunch hour, nounlunchroom, nounlunchtime, nounluscious, adjectivemace, nounMadeira cake, nounmain course, nounmaitre d', nounmaize, nounmandarin, nounmandarin orange, nounmangetout, nounmango, nounmaple syrup, nounmargarine, nounmarge, nounmarmalade, nounmarrow, nounmarshmallow, nounMason jar, nounmasticate, verbmature, adjectivemature, verbmeal, nounmealie, nounmealtime, nounmealy, adjectivemeat, nounmeat-packing, nounmeaty, adjectivemellow, adjectivementhol, nounmentholated, adjectivemenu, nounmess, nounmess, verbmess hall, nounmilk chocolate, nounmillet, nounmince, nounmint, nounmocha, nounmolasses, nounmoreish, adjectivemorsel, nounmouldy, adjectivemouth, nounmouthful, nounMSG, nounmunch, verbmung bean, nounmush, nounmushroom, nounmustard, nounnibble, verbnibble, nounnosh, nounnourish, verbnourishment, nounnugget, nounnut, nounnutcracker, nounnutshell, nounnutty, adjectiveoatmeal, nounoats, nounoffal, nounokra, nounon, prepositiononion, nounorder, nounoregano, nounorganic, adjectiveoverindulge, verboxtail, nounpackaging, nounpacker, nounpap, nounparcel, nounpaste, nounpastille, nounpastry, nounpatisserie, nounpearl barley, nounpectin, nounpeel, verbpeel, nounpepper, nounpepper, verbpeppercorn, nounpeppermint, nounperishable, adjectivepetit four, nounpiccalilli, nounpicnic, nounpicnic, verbpie, nounpilaff, nounpilau, nounpimento, nounpinto bean, nounpit, nounpizza parlor, nounpizzeria, nounplain chocolate, nounplain flour, nounploughman's lunch, nounpoor boy, nounpork, nounpork pie, nounpork rinds, nounporridge, nounporterhouse steak, nounportion, nounpostprandial, adjectivepotato, nounpotato crisp, nounpotted, adjectivepoultry, nounpraline, nounprawn, nounprepacked, adjectivepreservative, nounpreserve, verbpreserve, nounpretzel, nounprovision, verbprune, nounpuff pastry, nounpumpernickel, nounpumpkin, nounpuree, verbquince, nounQuorn, nounrabbit, nounrancid, adjectiverare, adjectiveravenous, adjectiveraw, adjectivered meat, nounreheat, verbrennet, nounrepast, nounreplete, adjectiverestaurant, nounrestaurant car, nounrestaurateur, nounrib, nounrice, nounrigatoni, nounrind, nounripe, adjectiveroadhouse, nounrock, nounroe, nounroll, nounroot vegetable, nounrose hip, nounrusk, nounrutabaga, nounsaccharin, nounsalad cream, nounsalad dressing, nounsalami, nounsalmon, nounsalsa, nounsalt, verbsalt, adjectivesalty, adjectivesandwich, nounsardine, nounsassafras, nounsatisfying, adjectivesatsuma, nounsauerkraut, nounsausage, nounscallion, nounscampi, nounscone, nounscoop, nounScotch broth, nounscratchings, nounseafood, nounseasoned, adjectiveseed, verbsemolina, nounservery, nounservice charge, nounserving, nounset, adjectiveshallot, nounshellfish, nounsherbet, nounshish kebab, nounshortbread, nounshortcake, nounshortcrust pastry, nounshoulder, nounshrimp cocktail, nounside order, nounsillabub, nounsimnel cake, nounsingle cream, nounsirloin, nounsitting, nounskimmed milk, nounskin, nounskin, verbslaw, nounslice, nounsliced bread, nounsloe, nounsloppy joe, nounsmorgasbord, nounsnack bar, nounsnow pea, nounsoda fountain, nounsodium chloride, nounsoft fruit, nounsorghum, nounsoul food, nounsour, adjectivesour, verbsourdough, nounsoya, nounsoya bean, nounspearmint, nounspinach, nounsponge, nounsponge cake, nounsponge pudding, nounspoon, verbspoonful, nounspotted dick, nounspread, nounspring onion, nounspring roll, nounsprout, nounspud, nounsquash, nounsquid, nounstaple, nounstarfruit, nounstarter, nounsteak, nounsteakhouse, nounsteak tartare, nounstew, nounstick, nounStilton, nounstir-fry, verbstodge, nounstone-ground, adjectivestrawberry, nounstring bean, nounstringy, adjectivestrudel, nounsub, nounsucrose, nounsuet, nounsugar, nounsugar, verbsugar-coated, adjectivesugar cube, nounsugar lump, nounsugary, adjectivesultana, nounsun-dried, adjectivesup, verbsupper, nounsustenance, nounswallow, verbswallow, nounswede, nounsweetcorn, nounsweetened condensed milk, nounsweetener, nounsweetmeat, nounsweet pepper, nounsweet potato, nounsyrup, nounsyrupy, adjectivetable d'hôte, nountaco, nountaffy, nountainted, adjectivetakeaway, nountakeout, nountangerine, nountapas, nountapioca, nountaramasalata, nountariff, nountart, nountartare sauce, nountaste, verbtasteless, adjectivetaster, nountasting, nountater, nountattie, nounT-bone steak, nountea, nounteacake, nountender, adjectivetin, nountinned, adjectivetitbit, nountoffee apple, nountofu, nountomato, nountongue, nountop, nountopping, nountop round, nountopside, nountop table, nountortilla, nountough, adjectivetransport cafe, nountreacle, nountrifle, nountripe, nountrotter, nountruck stop, nountruffle, nountub, nountuna, nounturkey, nounTurkish delight, nounturnip, nounturnover, nountutti frutti, nounTV dinner, nounTVP, noununadulterated, adjectiveunleavened, adjectiveunpalatable, adjectivevacuum-packed, adjectivevanilla, nounveal, nounvegan, nounvegetable, nounvegetarian, nounvegetarianism, nounveggie, nounvenison, nounvictual, verbvictuals, nounvoracious, adjectivevoucher, nounwaiter, nounwaitress, nounwalnut, noun-ware, suffixwarmed-over, adjectivewedge, nounwell, nounwell-done, adjectivewell-fed, adjectivewet fish, nounwheat, nounwhite, nounwhite flour, nounwhite pepper, nounwhite sauce, nounwholefood, nounwholemeal, adjectivewhole wheat, adjectivewiener, nounwild rice, nounwishbone, nounwrap, nounyeast extract, nounyoghurt, nounyogurt, nounyolk, nounyule log, nounyummy, adjectivezucchini, nounzwieback, noun
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY His wife was a source of constant support during the lean years.COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES He leaned forward, his elbows resting on the table. Companies are put off investing in poor areas because of the meagre pickings to be had.COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSNOUN
His wife was a source of constant support during the lean years.· He leant back in his chair and took out his pipe.
He leaned forward, his elbows resting on the table. (=with little fat)· Try to eat more lean meat, fish and chicken.
Companies are put off investing in poor areas because of the meagre pickings to be had.· There was an unhealthy flush across his lean face and a wild look in his eyes.· The older woman had a lean face, a long neck, and an aquiline nose.· The placard was swaying in the air, his lean face was twisted in excitement.· The lean face had grown gaunt, the cheeks hollowed, the scar about his mouth carved more deeply into his skin.
· He prescribed a diet, which included these tiny gourmet tins of prime lean meat in savoury jelly.· Perhaps it should be noted that many persons will think that three ounces of cooked lean meat make a stingy portion.· Eat lean meat and try fish, chicken or rabbit instead of red meat.· She uses a thick, crunchy cornmeal coating to protect the lean meat.· Main courses might include fish, poultry, lean meat and vegetarian dishes, but you should avoid sauces.· Stillman was a strict carnivore, allowing his patients to eat only lean meat, poultry, eggs, and low-fat cheeses.· Quality refers to the characteristics associated with tenderness, juiciness, and flavor of lean meat.· The average, or standardized, serving is three ounces of cooked lean meat.
· The end of a lean spell for Wilkinson has put Boro back on course for the all-important second spot.· That meant Christmas profits, which usually see the railway through the lean spell to April, were not available.
· Yet whether lean times or creative instinct drive customers to second-hand shops, they remain a valuable option.· Too often in lean times the poorest are asked to make the largest sacrifices.· These are lean times for the poor small farmers who work marginal lands in the coastal districts.
· The gamble seemed worthwhile as the lean years were few.· She was, after all the lean years, fairly bursting with plans.· Nothing came along immediately and ahead were a couple of lean years.· Although two lean years by his standard followed, Davis, 34, still reached two world semi-finals.· There the religious instruction started by his father, who for all the lean years had been his schoolteacher, continued.· The Richmond Meet is clearly thriving - but how did it manage to survive the lean years?· Those were lean years, without money for trips to the cinema.
PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES
1thin in a healthy and attractive way: - Craig sighed and leaned back in his chair.
- But no one can sit back in investment clubs and just listen.
- He must generate all his own internal discipline against the possible inclination to lie back and enjoy his good fortune.
- He sat back on his heels, sorrowfully examining the ruined glove.
- He walked without hesitation to the very front row, sat down and lay back, gazing up at the screen.
- She heard him returning just as she sat back to admire her handiwork.
- Then she lay back on her pillow and they looked at each other as if it was for the first time.
- We started to sit back because we were up on the No. 1 team in the nation.
- Whatever some think, we don't sit back.
- Outside the trees are bending over backwards to please the wind: the shining sword grass flattens on its belly.
- Stuart was leaning over backwards to see Oliver's point of view.
- The authors, however, bend over backwards to avoid consideration of that particular class scenario.
- The Gallery is also bending over backwards to boost attendance, and in doing so is rather alarmingly bowing to populist pressures.
- They also needed to stop rationalizing the problem to themselves and bending over backwards to be fair.
- You should bend over backwards to avoid bitter personal rows and the holding of grudges.
He was lean, tall, and muscular.► see thesaurus at thin2lean meat does not have much fat on it OPP fatty3a lean organization, company etc uses only as much money and as many people as it needs, so that nothing is wasted4a 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 noun [uncountable]