rely on/upon sb/sth
— phrasal verb with rely uk/rɪˈlaɪ/us/rɪˈlaɪ/verb
B2 to need a particular thing or the help and support of someone or something in order to continue, to work correctly, or to succeed:
[ + -ing verb ] The success of this project relies on everyone making an effort.
I rely on you for good advice.
[ + to infinitive ] I'm relying on the garage to fix the car by tomorrow.
B2 to trust someone or something or to expect him, her, or it to behave in a particular way:
British weather can never be relied on - it's always changing.
[ + -ing verb ] Don't rely on finding me here when you get back (= I might have gone).
More examples
- Can we confidently rely on him to get the job done?
- The school has to rely on the goodwill of the parents to help it raise money.
- When you're apart you rely so heavily on the phone.
- These computer games rely on 3-D graphics.
- One of the good things about Inga is that you can always rely on her unfailing enthusiasm.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Being based on or depending on something
- base sth on sth
- basis
- boil down to sth
- build around sth
- build on sth
- come down to sth
- ground
- in the wake of sth idiom
- live off sb/sth
- more
- on the back of sth idiom
- on the strength of sth idiom
- predicate
- rest
- ride
- spring
- turn on sth
- underlie
- underpin
- understanding
See more results »
You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:
Trusting and not trusting