leaning in
Angling toward something
Leaning in describes engaging more intensely or assertively with a situation rather than holding back.
The phrase gained currency from Sheryl Sandberg's 2013 book encouraging women to pursue career advancement: She's really leaning in at work lately.
More broadly, it means embracing difficulty or discomfort rather than avoiding it: Instead of changing the subject, he leaned in to the awkward conversation.
- inclineAngled rising surface
- taking a seatOccupying a chair
- proactivityTendency to anticipate needs
- confidenceSelf-assurance or trust
- assertivenessConfident self-expression quality
teamwork · adaptability · ambition · influence · courage · showing up · negotiation · glass ceiling · women in leadership · advocacy · equality · perseverance · speaking up · empowerment · decision-making · inclusivity · grit · vision
- supportsupport, emotional support, moral support, support group, stand by
- affectionhug, kiss, care, cuddle, caress
- body languagegestures, facial expressions, hand gestures, posture, nodding
- flirtingpickup line, wink, winking, hair flip, chat-up line
- gesturesgesture, hand gestures, applause, hand raise, tap on shoulder
- engagementattention, interest, involvement, participation, interaction
leaning inpulling away
Increasing gap from others
recoiling · leaning away · shrinking back · stepping back · retreating
leaning inopting out
Choosing not to participate
checking out · disengaging · pulling back · holding back · withdrawing
leaning intuning out
Deliberately not hearing
pulling away · zoning out · checking out · turning away · disengaging