Past tense of lean; inclined or rested against something for support. Can also mean having a tendency toward a particular opinion or position.
From Old English 'hleonian' (to lean, recline), related to Latin 'clinare' (to bend). The figurative sense of 'tending toward' developed in Middle English from the physical act of inclining.
The phrase 'leaned in' has become a modern business buzzword thanks to Sheryl Sandberg's book, but the concept of physically leaning to show attention or engagement is deeply rooted in human body language. We unconsciously lean toward things we're interested in and away from what repels us.
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