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

See Examples For:

shore up

The Transportation Department said its efforts to shore up technology and ramp up hiring are showing results at Newark.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 15, 2026

Andy Burnham is meeting the leaders of the trade unions which help fund the Labour Party, as he looks to shore up support ahead of his expected premiership.

From BBC ● Jul. 2, 2026

For one — and “most critical historically,” according to Deutsche Bank — the U.S. benefited from 200 years of institutional and political stability that helped shore up confidence in its capital markets, aiding economic growth.

From MarketWatch ● Jun. 28, 2026

When those crowds vacate the premises, there will be nothing left to shore up prices.

From Barron's ● Jun. 26, 2026

Basil Stag Hare superintended the willing creatures who carried logs and filling to shore up the gatehouse entrance.

From "Redwall" by Brian Jacques

Related Words

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