depend (up)on (someone or something)

depend (up)on (someone or something)

1. To rely on someone or something. You can depend on Tom, so if he said he'd be here at 11:30, then he'll be here at 11:30. I still haven't found a job, so, yes, I depend upon my parents for money.
2. To be dictated by certain conditions. Where we hold the wedding ceremony depends entirely on the weather—if it's rainy, then we'll have it indoors.
3. To be addicted to something. I have a harder time falling asleep these days, but at least I don't depend on sleeping pills anymore.
See also: depend
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

depend (up)on someone or something

to rely upon someone or something. (Upon is formal and less commonly used than on.) Can I depend on you to do this right? You can depend upon me for help.
See also: depend, on
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

depend on

or depend upon
v.
1. To be contingent upon something or someone for an outcome: Whether or not we go on the picnic depends on the weather.
2. To rely on something or someone, especially for support or maintenance: Children depend on adults for food and shelter.
3. To place trust or confidence in someone or something: You can depend upon my honesty.
4. To have a chronic or compulsive need for something; be addicted to something: As time went by, he began to depend on painkillers to get him through the day.
See also: depend, on
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • depend on
  • rely
  • rely on
  • rely upon (someone or something)
  • figure on
  • figure on (someone or something)
  • figure on doing
  • look to (someone or something) for (something)
  • fall back on
  • fall back on (someone or something)