american cops lingo

[DaSwede]

When cops in television series (NYPD Blue and similar) talk about leaning on a guy, what exactly does that mean and is that expression (when used in above sense) New York lingo particularly or American English in general?

Thanks in advance.

[cruella]

I think it means they are putting pressure on him.
Not too sure though.

[4GS]

To put pressure on in order to get either a confession or for the prisoner to make a mistake in his/her statement/alibi

[DaSwede]

Thanks you guys!

So if you heard them talk about leaning on somebody, you would interpret it as the "leanee" being a suspect?

Or could it also mean put pressure on somebody who is not a suspect to make him snitch on the person who is?

Will check in for more answers tomorrow.

[jno]

it just means put pressure on, so you could lean on anyone really. It suggests (but does not mean) physically leaning on them, as you might do if you were bigger or heavier, to make them do what you want. It's American, now used sometimes in Britain - don't know if it's specifically NYC-talk, though, or specifically police.

[DaSwede]

Thanks all, good replies!