Browse all

shore up

B2 neutral separable transitive
In simple words

To make something stronger so it doesn't break or fail

Literal meaning: In construction, to place timber shores (supports) against a wall to prevent collapse

Meanings

1 B2 neutral

To physically support or reinforce a weak structure to prevent it from collapsing

"Engineers worked through the night to shore up the damaged sea wall before the next storm."

Grammar: separable
2 B2 idiomatic neutral

To strengthen or stabilise something (an institution, economy, relationship, or position) that is at risk of failing

"The government announced new measures to shore up the banking sector after a week of falling share prices."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

Used in both physical and figurative contexts. In the physical sense, it refers to supporting structures (walls, buildings). The figurative sense is more common — used in economics, politics, and relationships. Often seen in news headlines.

Commonly used with

economy support defences confidence coalition position bank building

Forms

Base
shore up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
shores up
he/she/it
Past simple
shored up
yesterday
Past participle
shored up
have + pp
-ing form
shoring up
continuous

Understand "shore up" better

Try:

Real video examples

Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.

Want to master this phrasal verb?

Practice "shore up" on Looplines