shore up

1. Support, prop, as in The new law was designed to shore up banks in danger of failure. This expression derives from the noun shore, meaning “prop,” a beam or timber propped against a structure to provide support. The verb shore dates from 1340 and was first recorded in a figurative context in 1581.

Example Sentences

California electric customers would pay $9 billion more to shore up the state’s wildfire fund under a last-minute deal reached behind closed doors that was introduced as legislation on Wednesday.

From Los Angeles Times

But some members have complained that the party is now too focused on shoring up support in its rural heartlands in the North East and the Borders, to defend its five constituency seats.

From BBC

The new postboxes are being rolled out over the next few months with Royal Mail hoping it will help shore up its share of the market.

From BBC

Now the Rams have added the stout Ford to shore up the run defense.

From Los Angeles Times

Through the property crisis the Chinese government has taken a number of measures to help shore up the industry and the economy.

From BBC

Related Words

• add to www.thesaurus.com
• bolster 
• boost 
• build up 
• buttress 
• emphasize 
• enlarge 
• fortify 
• increase 
• stress 
• support 
• underline