tower of strength

Idioms  

1. A dependable person on whom one can lean in time of trouble, as in After Dad died Grandma was a tower of strength for the whole family. This expression, first recorded in 1549, originally was used most often to refer to God and heaven, but Shakespeare had it differently in Richard III (5:3): “Besides, the King's name is a tower of strength.”

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Example Sentences

Ayton was a tower of strength with 28 points on 12-for-14 shooting, 13 rebounds, three blocked shots and three assists.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 30, 2026

Stewart’s performance holds everything together; her Lou is a quiet tower of strength, unexpectedly finding both love and darkness.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 13, 2024

“My mother has been a tower of strength for our family, leaving us a legacy that will influence our children and generations to come,” Mrs. Comes said via text message.

From Washington Times • Oct. 19, 2023

As a couple throughout their married life, Daphne gave exemplary support to David and in his declining health was a tower of strength to him.

From BBC • Jul. 25, 2022

A tower of strength, she is firm and does not yield, except in loving.

From "Ophelia" by Lisa Klein

Related Words

• bulwark
• citadel
• fortress
• mainstay
• stronghold