a lean patch
A period of failure, decline, or poor performance or results. Almost every new business experiences a lean patch at some point or another.
go through a lean patch
To experience or be in the midst of a period of failure, decline, or poor performance or results. Her business has been going through a bit of a lean patch lately. If things don't pick up soon, she might have to close shop. Though the team has gone through a lean patch in recent years, they still have a very devoted fanbase.
have a lean patch
To experience or be in the midst of a period of failure, decline, or poor performance or results. Her business has had a bit of a lean patch lately. if things don't pick up soon, she might have to close shop. Though the team has been having a lean patch in recent years, they still have a very devoted fanbase.
bend over backwards
(to do something) Go to fall over backwards (to do something).
bend over backwards (to do something) (for someone)
Fig. to work very hard to accomplish something for someone; to go out of one's way (to do something) (for someone). He will bend over backwards to help you. I bent over backwards for you, and you showed no thanks!
lean across someone or something
to incline oneself across someone or something. She leaned across me to reach the telephone and spilled my wine. Laura leaned across the table and knocked my coffee over.
lean against someone or something
to prop oneself against someone or something. The child leaned against her sister to keep warm. I leaned against the back of the chair and went right to sleep.
lean and mean
Fig. fit and ready for hard, efficient work. Dave got himself lean and mean and is ready to play in Saturday's game. The management is lean and mean and looks to turn a profit next year.
lean back
[for someone] to recline backwards, usually in a chair. Lean back and make yourself comfortable. Let's lean back and be comfortable.
lean back (on someone or something)
to recline backwards, pressing on someone or something. Don't lean back on me! I'm not a chair! Lean back on the couch and tell me what you are thinking.
lean back (on someone or something)
to recline backwards, pressing on someone or something. Don't lean back on me! I'm not a chair! Lean back on the couch and tell me what you are thinking.
lean down
to bend over. Lean down and tie your shoe before you trip. He leaned down and picked something up from the floor.
lean forward
to bend forward. Lean forward a minute so I can put a cushion behind your back. When Betsy leaned forward, she lost her balance and fell.
lean in (to something)
to incline or press into something. You have to lean into the wind when you walk or you will be blown over. As you walk into the wind, lean in a little bit. The north wall of the barn leans in a little. Is it going to fall?
lean on someone
Fig. to try to make someone do something; to coerce someone to do something. (From lean on someone or something.) If she refuses to do it, lean on her a bit. Don't lean on me! I don't have to do it if I don't want to.
lean on someone or something
1. Lit. to incline or press on someone or something. Don't lean on me. I'm not strong enough to support both of us. Lean on the wall and rest a little while.
2. Fig. to depend on someone or something. You lean on your parents too much. You must be more independent. You can't lean on the government forever.
lean out of something
to hang or bend out of something or some place. She leaned out of the window so she could watch what was going on. Don't lean out of the car window. You will fall.
lean over
1. to bend over. Lean over and pick the pencil up yourself! I'm not your servant! As Kelly leaned over to tie her shoes, her chair slipped out from under her.
2. to tilt over. The fence leaned over and almost fell. As the wind blew, the tree leaned over farther and farther.
lean over backwards
(to do something) Go to fall over backwards (to do something).
lean something against someone or something
to prop something against someone or something. She leaned her spade against the house and wiped the sweat from her brow. Bill leaned the mirror against his leg while he screwed the hook into the wall.
lean something forward
to tilt or bend something forward. Lean the board forward a little bit, please. Someone leaned this panel forward a little too much.
*lean times (ahead)
Fig. a future period of lowered income or revenue; a future period when there will be shortages of goods and suffering. (*Typically: be ~; cause ~; have ~; mean ~.) The economy is going sour which means lean times ahead.
lean toward doing something
to tend toward doing something; to favor doing something. The union is leaning toward accepting the proposal. My friends leaned toward swimming instead of shopping.
lean toward someone or something
1. to incline toward someone or something. Tom is leaning toward Randy. I think he is going to fall on him. The tree is leaning toward the edge of the cliff. It will fall eventually.
2. to tend to favor [choosing] someone or something. lam leaning toward Sarah as the new committee head. I'm leaning toward a new committee.