leaned in
Tilted toward something
Leaned in describes moving closer, typically by tilting the upper body forward—toward a conversation, a screen, or another person.
Figuratively, to lean in is to engage more fully or commit to something, especially in professional contexts: She leaned in on the project when others hesitated.
The phrase gained currency from Sheryl Sandberg's 2013 book urging women to assert themselves in the workplace.
- inclinedTending toward, tilted
- assertivenessConfident self-expression quality
- took chargeBegan directing things
- power moveSuperiority-asserting action
- postureBody position, alignment
body language · attentiveness · leadership · conspiratorial · engagement · participation · interaction · gesture · focus · confidence · whispered · hushed tones · proximity · advocacy · initiative · mentorship · career advice · seat at the table
leaned inpulled back
Withdrew to prior position
recoiled · drew back · shrank back · sat back · retreated
leaned inpulled back
Withdrew to prior position
backed off · withdrew · retreated · disengaged · held back
leaned intuned out
Ceased to pay attention
turned away · pulled away · zoned out · lost interest · drifted off