shore up

Idioms  

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.

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Example Sentences

Richards’ return will shore up a defense that was one of the U.S. team’s biggest question marks heading into the tournament.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2026

That is because countries across the globe are readying to shore up oil stockpiles like never before, which should keep the market tight for quite a while.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026

But in order to prevent an across-the-board cut to benefits, Congress must make changes to shore up the program.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 9, 2026

Australia, which is steering the formal negotiations in a COP31 co-hosting arrangement with Turkey, said electrification could cut emissions and shore up energy security.

From Barron's • Jun. 9, 2026

"Maybe we could shore up the MAV. Make tipping less likely."

From "The Martian" by Andy Weir

Related Words

• add to
• bolster
• boost
• build up
• buttress
• emphasize
• enlarge
• fortify
• increase
• stress
• support
• underline