lean away

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lean away" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase can be used to describe a physical action, such as when somebody leans away from something they are uncomfortable with or don't want to do. Example sentence: As the man approached, she leaned away in fear.

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

Leaning in for that special moment, only for them to lean away and it be awkward between you.

WikiHow

So of course at this point everybody in the room started to lean away from me.

The New Yorker

But your natural instinct is to cling to the tree, not lean away from it.

The New York Times - Travel

"What do I do now?" she asked nervously, and I felt my classmates lean away.

The New Yorker

I pull back on the stick to lean away from the locker door.

The Guardian - Tech

Instinctively, I lean away and put my hands out to shield myself.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

I looked at the way my body leaned away from my sister's, and wondered if I was leaning toward someone who was standing outside the frame — my grandmother, say.

The New York Times

There have been 59 special elections since 1997, and just 13 candidates have carried districts that leaned away from their political party (a Republican representing a Democratic-leaning seat or vice versa).

The New York Times

He leaned away again.

The New Yorker

He leaned away as if to see her better.

The New Yorker

Have they ever leaned away from you whilst looking at their phone?

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lean away" to describe a subtle physical reaction indicating discomfort, avoidance, or creating space. It is most effective when the context suggests a reason for the movement.

Common error

Avoid using "lean away" to describe strong disagreement or opposition in formal writing. Opt for more direct and impactful verbs like "reject", "oppose", or "dispute" to convey a more assertive stance.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "lean away" functions primarily as a verb describing a physical action, often implying a reaction to something. According to Ludwig, it denotes moving one's body in a direction away from something or someone. The Ludwig examples show its use in describing physical discomfort or avoidance.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Wiki

36%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lean away" is a common phrasal verb used to describe the act of moving one's body away from something, often indicating discomfort or avoidance. According to Ludwig, its usage is grammatically correct and frequent in various contexts, particularly in news, media, and wiki-based sources. The phrase carries a neutral register and communicates a non-verbal cue. While it is acceptable, it is advisable to avoid using it to describe strong disagreement in formal writing. Related phrases include "draw back", "recoil", and "move back", each conveying slightly different nuances of the action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

draw back

Describes a physical movement away from something, similar to "lean away" but implying a more abrupt or reactive motion.

pull back

Indicates a deliberate action of retracting or withdrawing, often from a position of engagement. Can be physical or metaphorical.

recoil

Implies a sudden, involuntary movement away from something, often due to fear or disgust. Suggests a stronger reaction than "lean away".

bend away

Focuses on the bending motion of the body, emphasizing the change in posture to move away from something.

move back

A general term for shifting one's position backwards, less specific than "lean away".

edge away

Describes a slow, cautious movement to create distance, often to avoid detection or confrontation. Highlights the subtlety of the action.

step away

Involves taking a step to create distance, rather than just shifting the upper body. Emphasizes physical separation.

fall back

Suggests retreating or yielding ground, often under pressure. Implies a more significant withdrawal than "lean away".

veer away

Indicates a change in direction to avoid something, often used in the context of vehicles or paths. Suggests a more significant deviation than "lean away".

shy away

Implies avoiding something, either physically or metaphorically, due to discomfort or reluctance. Less about physical movement.

FAQs

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

You can use "lean away" to describe a physical movement, often indicating discomfort or avoidance. For example, "She started to "lean away" when he started talking about politics".

What does it mean to "lean away" from something?

To "lean away" from something typically means to physically move your upper body in a direction away from it. This can signify discomfort, dislike, or simply creating space.

What are some alternatives to "lean away"?

Some alternatives to "lean away" include "draw back", "recoil", or "move back". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say someone "leaned away"?

Yes, it is correct to say someone "leaned away". The verb "lean" is being used in the past tense, indicating the action of moving away from something has already occurred.