“Shore Up” Meaning, Origin and Examples

Last updated on October 18, 2024 by Liam Daniel

“Shore up” is an idiomatic phrase that you may come across quite often in conversation and writing. If you are thinking this phrase has something to do with the beach, then keep reading on to learn why it doesn’t. Here you will find the real meaning of the phrase “shore up” and will gain some further knowledge by reading about its origin. You will also see the phrase used in some example sentences and conversations to help you better understand and use the phrase correctly for yourself. Finally, you will explore some suggested alternative words and phrases to use in place of the phrase “shore up” that relate the same meaning.

“Shore Up” Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • The phrase “shore up” means to support, strengthen, or reinforce something that is weak or at risk. It is often used in contexts where additional measures or resources are needed to stabilize a situation, organization, or structure.
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“Shore Up” Meaning

The phrase “shore up” means to strengthen, support, or reinforce something, especially in the context of stabilizing or improving a situation, organization, or structure. It often implies taking action to prevent failure or collapse.

Examples:

  • “The company is looking to shore up its finances after recent losses.”
  • “They needed to shore up the foundation of the old building to prevent it from collapsing.”

Origin of This Idiom

The phrase “shore up” comes from an old but still accepted definition of the word “shore.” Although most people think beach when they hear the word “shore,” one of the older meanings of this word is to support or prop up. The word “shore” in this sense was used first in the year 1340 and was recorded being used for the first time figuratively in the year 1581.

Usage of “Shore Up”

  • In a financial context:

“The government introduced new policies to shore up the economy during the recession.”

  • Talking about organizational support:

“The nonprofit organization is seeking donations to shore up its community outreach programs.”

  • During a discussion about project management:

“We need to shore up our resources to ensure the project is completed on time.”

  • In a physical context:

“The construction crew worked to shore up the foundation of the old building before renovations began.”

Related Terms to “Shore Up”

  • Reinforce – to strengthen or support an existing structure, system, or argument.
  • Bolster – to support or strengthen, often used in the context of enhancing confidence or performance.
  • Fortify – to strengthen or protect, particularly in a military or structural context.
  • Support – to provide assistance or reinforcement to maintain stability.
  • Strengthen – to make something stronger or more robust.
  • Stabilize – to make something steady or secure, preventing it from collapsing or failing.
  • Back up – to provide support or additional resources to reinforce an idea or system.
  • Augment – to increase or enhance something, often by adding to it.
  • Plug the gaps – to address weaknesses or deficiencies in a system or structure.
  • Rescue – to save or help improve a struggling situation or entity.

Alternatives to “Shore Up”

There are several words that you could use in place of the phrase “shore up” to convey the same meaning. Some of these include:

  • Support
  • Reinforce
  • Strengthen

“Shore Up” Examples

Example Sentences

  • It is often customary practice in areas plagued by hurricanes to shore up home before evacuating the area.
  • During the trial, the lawyer used all the evidence to shore up her case against the defendant.
  • They tried to shore up the failing economy by means of tax increases.
  • She used this evidence to shore up her argument.
  • He used this evidence to shore up his opinion.
  • The democracies of the West may find it hard to shore up their defences.
  • We had to shore up the damaged wall.
  • It was like trying to shore up a wall of quicksand.
  • Now we’re working real hard to shore up back court.

Example Conversations

A conversation between a girlfriend and her boyfriend.

  • Girlfriend: I think we need to make every effort to shore up our relationship.
  • Boyfriend: Yes, especially since we are both going off to college next year and it will be difficult.
  • Girlfriend: My thoughts exactly.

A conversation between two co-workers in the office.

  • Co-worker 1: Practices around here have become very loose.
  • Co-worker 2: Yes, we need to enforce all of the safety protocols we have in place to prevent further injuries.
  • Co-worker 1: I agree. We need to shore up and apply all the rules to everyone.
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