buoys up
Sustains above water
To buoy up is to keep afloat or elevate, either literally or figuratively.
A life jacket buoys up a swimmer; encouraging words buoy up someone's spirits.
The phrase emphasizes the upward, sustaining action—preventing something from sinking or falling.
The good news buoyed up the whole team.
It often appears in contexts of emotional or financial support, suggesting resilience against downward pressure.
- heartenTo give courage
- floatationCapacity to stay buoyant
- upliftRaise emotionally or physically
- picks upTakes into hand
- encourageUrge forward with support
pep talk · embolden · sustain · support · shores up · stabilize · holds up · console · inspire · motivate · shot in the arm · bolster · reassure · enhance · invigorate · fortify · improve · maintain
buoys upweighs down
Makes heavier or slower
sinks · pulls down · submerges · anchors · plunges
buoys upbrings down
Causes to collapse
depresses · disheartens · dispirits · deflates · discourages
buoys upundermines
Weakens by stealth
weakens · saps · destabilizes · erodes · diminishes