🪵 shore up

Concrete Meaning

To actively support, strengthen, or improve an organization, agreement, argument, or system that is currently weak or in danger of failing.

💬 Context & Examples

Used when adding emergency reinforcements to finances, arguments, defenses, or business strategies.

"The company desperately needs another loan to shore up its finances before the end of the fiscal year."
"She used the new statistical data to shore up her argument ahead of the difficult board meeting."

🧠 Pattern Challenge

Test Yourself

What does "shoring up" mean in the literal world of physical construction?

Show Answer

It refers to placing temporary heavy wooden or metal props (called "shores") against a weak or leaning wall to physically prevent the building from falling over.