lean forward
1. To bend or incline toward a position in front of something or oneself. I leaned forward to grab my essay from the professor. The tree leaned so far forward in the wind that I would it would break.
2. To bend or tilt someone or something forward. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is used between "lean" and "forward." The doctor leaned the man forward to examine the wound on his lower back. I leaned the box forward to try to read the label on the bottom.
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 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.