Collocations for "rely"
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word "rely" in context.
WordReference English Collocations © 2026
rely
ⓘMost examples are given in US English. We have labeled exceptions as UK.v
- rely on your [parents, friends]
- rely on your [parents] for [economic, emotional, financial] support
- rely [more, less] on
- rely on yourself
- you can (always) rely on me
- you can (always) rely on her to [help, provide, be there]
- you can (always) rely on him to [get it wrong, mess things up]
- have (only) myself to rely on
- there's one thing you can rely on
- can always be relied upon to
- rely on this [job, position, income]
- rely on [welfare, unemployment, food stamps, charity, handouts]
- the [economy, country] relies on [exports, innovation, oil]
- relies [heavily, solely, entirely, mostly, primarily, exclusively] on
'rely' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):