backstops
Fences behind batters
Backstops are barriers that prevent something from going too far—literally or figuratively.
In baseball, the backstop is the fence behind home plate that stops wild pitches and foul balls.
More broadly, backstops are safeguards or fallback measures: The federal reserve acts as a backstop for failing banks.
A backstop can also be a person providing backup support.
Guarding against harm
- insuranceContractual risk coverage
- securityProtection from threat
- precautionPreventive safety measure
- failsafeAutomatic protective default
contingency · buffer · cushion · fallback · reserve · defense · guarantee · assurance
Masked diamond position
- homeplateScoring base in baseball
- diamondCrystallized carbon gemstone
- pitcherPouring vessel or hurler
- umpireSports match official
mitt · glove · bullpen · foul · passed ball · wild pitch · inning · batter
Boundary structure between properties
- wallVertical enclosing structure
- nettingInterlaced open fabric
- screenDisplay or barrier
- enclosureConfined, bordered space
barricade · partition · shield · buffer · perimeter · boundary · obstacle · blockade
Adding support or encouragement
- foundationUnderlying support structure
- underpinningFoundational support beneath
- anchorSecures ships to seabed
- bolsterStrengthen or buttress
buttress · mainstay · pillar · backing · bedrock · cornerstone · groundwork · framework
protection
Guarding against harm
- insuranceContractual risk coverage
- securityProtection from threat
- precautionPreventive safety measure
failsafe · contingency · buffer · cushion · fallback · reserve · defense · guarantee · assurance · safety net
catcher
Masked diamond position
umpire · mitt · glove · bullpen · foul · passed ball · wild pitch · inning · batter · fielder
fence
Boundary structure between properties
enclosure · barricade · partition · shield · buffer · perimeter · boundary · obstacle · blockade · fortification
reinforcement
Adding support or encouragement
- foundationUnderlying support structure
- underpinningFoundational support beneath
- anchorSecures ships to seabed
bolster · buttress · mainstay · pillar · backing · bedrock · cornerstone · groundwork · framework · stability
- shooting rangesshooting range, gun range, lanes, firing range, firing line
- navigationcompass, compass rose, signs, charts, navbar
- risk managementrisk sharing, risk analysis, risk factor, risk mitigation, risk appetite
backstopsoutfield wall
Baseball's outer boundary
outfield fence · warning track · foul poles · pitcher's mound · home plate
backstopsvulnerabilities
Exploitable weak points
exposures · risks · liabilities · weak points · hazards
backstopspitchers
Spouted pouring vessels
batters · base runners · leadoff hitters · outfielders · designated hitters