leans in
Tilts toward someone
Leans in describes moving closer to engage more fully—physically tilting forward, or figuratively embracing a challenge or opportunity.
The phrase gained currency from Sheryl Sandberg's 2013 book urging women to assert themselves professionally: She leaned in and asked for the promotion.
More broadly, to lean in is to commit rather than hold back: When things got tough, he leaned in instead of retreating.
- assertsStates as true
- commitsPledges to do
- intentionalDone on purpose
- engagesOccupies or participates with
- influencesPowers that shape behavior
collaborates · embraces · initiates · takes charge · power pose · supports · advocates · attentive · pays attention · active listening · closer · adapts · curious · perseveres · listens · mentors · inspires · interested
leans inpulls away
Increases distance from
recoils · draws back · shrinks back · backs off · sits back
leans inbacks away
Moves in reverse deliberately
pulls back · withdraws · retreats · disengages · shies away
leans inpulls away
Increases distance from
turns away · looks away · tunes out · zones out · disengages