as lean as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as lean as" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in comparisons to describe something that is very thin or has little fat, often in relation to body types or food. Example: "He is as lean as a runner, with a toned physique that reflects his dedication to fitness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Its Colonel is as lean as a compass-needle".

The Guardian

"He wasn't as lean as some of the 300-pounders there.

The New York Times - Sports

Tommy is in his fifties, and as lean as a mean joke.

The New Yorker

Calories were scarce, physical labor was hard, and most people were as lean as greyhounds.

The New York Times - Science

In that respect, for all its scale, it's as lean as a Clyde-built clipper.

The Guardian - Arts

The fact remains that, when you go into a Tesco superstore, the operation is as lean as a hare.

The Guardian - Business

"We're always looking to save money where we can and keep our budget as lean as possible," she said.

The New York Times

In her late twenties and as lean as her brother is fat, Kim Yo-jong is a full-blooded sibling.

The New Yorker

His drumming, on the other hand, was as lean as ever, a righteous marvel of concision and grit.

The New York Times - Arts

Partly, I think, it was the angularity of the man, who seemed as lean as his flintlock rifle.

The New York Times

"Power to weight ratio matters on the road, so you need to get the guys as lean as you can and keep them as functional as you can".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To describe a cost-cutting measure, ensure that "as lean as" isn't confused with being under-resourced or compromising quality.

Common error

While "as lean as" is suitable for describing efficient operations, avoid overusing it in business writing. Alternatives like "streamlined", "optimized", or "efficient" may provide more nuanced descriptions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as lean as" functions primarily as a comparative adjective phrase. It is used to describe something by comparing its leanness (thinness, efficiency, or lack of excess) to a known standard or example. Ludwig provides examples showcasing its use in various contexts, demonstrating its versatile nature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as lean as" is a common and grammatically correct comparative phrase used to describe something that is thin, efficient, or lacking in excess. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts, primarily appearing in news and media, science, and business. While generally neutral in register, its suitability depends on the specific context. For describing physical attributes, consider more precise alternatives like ""as slender as"" or ""as wiry as"". In business writing, avoid overuse and explore synonyms such as "streamlined" or "optimized". This ensures clarity and avoids potential confusion. Always use this phrase knowing that it can indicate a cost-cutting measure, so you need to use it consciously in order to avoid negative connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as slender as

Replaces "lean" with "slender", implying a graceful thinness.

as thin as

A more direct synonym for "lean", focusing on physical thinness.

as wiry as

Implies a lean but strong and resilient physique.

as efficient as

Shifts the focus from physical thinness to operational efficiency.

as honed as

Emphasizes precision and refinement through rigorous trimming or training.

as streamlined as

Emphasizes a smooth, efficient design or process.

as minimalist as

Relates to a design or approach characterized by extreme simplicity and the removal of all non-essential elements.

as spare as

Suggests a lack of excess or ornamentation.

as spare as

Implies a stark, efficient quality, lacking excess or ornamentation.

as ascetic as

Conveys a sense of strict self-discipline and simplicity, often in lifestyle or design.

FAQs

How can I use "as lean as" in a sentence?

You can use "as lean as" to describe something that is very thin or efficient. For example, "The new budget is "as lean as" possible," or "He is "as lean as" a marathon runner."

What's a good alternative to "as lean as" when describing a person's physique?

Alternatives include "as slender as", "as thin as", or "as wiry as". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "as lean as" in formal writing?

Yes, "as lean as" is acceptable in formal writing, but ensure it aligns with the overall tone. In some contexts, more formal alternatives like "highly efficient" or "extremely streamlined" may be preferable.

When should I use "as lean as" to describe a business operation?

Use "as lean as" to describe a business operation when you want to emphasize efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Be sure that your audience understands it to mean optimized, not underfunded or poorly staffed.