lean into meaning: definition, quotations

lean into

verb

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see lean, into.

When we work a line with our thumbs we lean into it with our bodyweight.2009, Howard Derek Evans, A Myofascial Approach to Thai Massage, →ISBN:
I tried to imagine how it would feel to lean into his embrace, feel his arms around me . .2010, Neta Jackson, Who Do I Lean On?, →ISBN, page 158:

To make an effort with; to work hard at; to show determination and perseverance.

Hartman leaned into his work like he would lean into a winter blizzard, Grandma's tearful conniptions merely the whining of the wind.2005, Susan Edsall, Into the Blue: A Father's Flight and a Daughter's Return, →ISBN:
Just as a fiddler can “lean into” the bow, you can “lean into” the breath.2011, Grey E. Larsen, The Essential Tin Whistle Toolbox, →ISBN:

1 more example

And then you begin to lean into it, applying a little attentive pressure, and the early pages begin to curl back with a soft, radish-slicing sound, and you're in. You're in the book.2012, Nicholson Baker, The Way the World Works: Essays, →ISBN, page 56:

To embrace; to experience fully or respond to wholeheartedly.

But we also threw in the third question to help people lean into their own feelings and experiences.2003, Don Everts, Douglas Scott, Jesus with Dirty Feet Discussion Guide, →ISBN:
Oftentimes, success happens when you just lean into it—when you make yourself open to opportunities and are willing to do what it takes to pursue it further—without a contract, without a promise of success, without any expectation whatsoever.2005, Jack Canfield, The Success Principles:

3 more examples

I lean into the questions, they lean into me when Suddenly, I see a young couple on a rock...2006, Rayn Roberts, Of One and Many Worlds, →ISBN, page 73:
I need to be reminded over and over again that I never really experience His unfailing love until I lean into Him in trust.2012, Tammy Feil, Journey with God Part 2: Trusting in the Father's Heart, →ISBN, page 57:
Given that we’re all going off-piste lifestyle wise, and that Zoom and working from home may become the long-term norm, I suggest we lean into it.2020 July 20, Bidisha, “Why is cosmetic surgery on the rise? Because of hours staring at ourselves on Zoom”, in The Guardian:

To take on or embrace something difficult or unpleasant, usually through determination or perseverance; to find a way to benefit from, or alleviate the harm of, risk, uncertainty and difficult situations.

In other words, you will pay not just later, but more. Lean into your discomfort.1998, William Wallace, Living Again: A Personal Journey for Surviving Spouses, →ISBN, page 108:
There's nothing to do but mourn, and the pain will disappear a lot faster if you lean into it.2005, Martha Beck, Wisdom from Finding Your Own North Star, →ISBN, page 47:

2 more examples

We can then emerge from despair and become inspired to lean into the conflict in order to effectively protect and pursue our interests.2005, Larry Axelrod, Rowland Johnson, Turning Conflict Into Profit: A Roadmap for Resolving Personal and Organizational Disputes, →ISBN, page 206:
Rather, we are asking the client to lean into the symptoms; we encourage them not only to stop struggling but seemingly to embrace the very things that they most dread.2012, Steven C. Hayes, Rule-Governed Behavior, →ISBN:

Related terms: lean in