lean away from

USAGE SUMMARY

"lean away from" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used when you want to indicate that someone is moving away or turning away from something. Example: He leaned away from me as if he had something to hide.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

Simply lean away from your computer screen.

Harvard Business Review

This new story requires that we lean away from hate and into love.

University of California, Berkeley

In order to show negative bias, the actor would scowl or lean away from another target.

University of California, Berkeley

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

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

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 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

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

Independent

They hadn't said much, just leaned away from the group and into each other.

The New Yorker

He leaned away from me in our circular booth, physically recoiling from the question.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lean away from" to describe physical movement, emotional distancing, or a shift in preference. Be mindful of the context to ensure the phrase accurately conveys the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "lean away from" when a more direct synonym like "avoid" or "reject" would be clearer. "Lean away from" often implies a more subtle or nuanced form of distancing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lean away from" functions as a phrasal verb, typically indicating a physical movement of moving backwards or sideways. According to Ludwig, the phrase is usable in written English. The Ludwig examples also show that it can convey emotional distancing, avoidance or a shift in preference.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

23%

Academia

19%

Less common in

Science

15%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "lean away from" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe physical or emotional distancing. As Ludwig AI confirms, its use is appropriate across various contexts. The phrase appears frequently in News & Media, Wiki and Academia, reflecting its versatility. It is important to consider the specific connotation intended, as "lean away from" can imply a subtle form of distancing, and direct synonyms might be more suitable in certain situations. While its literal meaning involves a physical action, it extends to more abstract forms of avoidance and divergence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

move away from

Focuses on the physical action of moving to create distance.

back away from

Implies a gradual or strategic retreat.

draw back from

Emphasizes a cautious or hesitant retreat.

turn away from

Focuses on changing direction to avoid something.

recoil from

Suggests a sudden, involuntary movement away due to fear or disgust.

shy away from

Highlights a reluctance or avoidance of something.

veer away from

Indicates a slight change in direction or course.

distance oneself from

Indicates creating emotional or social distance.

deflect from

Implies avoiding direct contact or attention.

diverge from

Suggests a departure in opinion, method, or course of action.

FAQs

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

You can use "lean away from" to describe physical movement, such as "I felt myself reflexively "lean away from" it". It can also describe emotional distancing or a change in preference.

What are some alternatives to "lean away from"?

Alternatives include "move away from", "draw back from", "recoil from", or "shy away from", depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "lean away from" or "lean away to"?

"Lean away from" is the correct and commonly used phrase. "Lean away to" is not standard English.

What's the difference between "lean away from" and "avoid"?

"Lean away from" often implies a more subtle or gradual distancing, while "avoid" suggests a more deliberate and direct effort to keep away from something. You might "lean away from" someone who makes you uncomfortable, but you would actively avoid a dangerous situation.