propping up
Keeping from falling
Propping up means supporting something that would otherwise fall or fail.
You prop up a sagging fence with a board, or prop up pillows behind your back.
Figuratively, it often implies artificial or temporary support for something weak: The government kept propping up failing banks.
The phrase can suggest the support is inadequate or only delays inevitable collapse.
- buttressingSupporting from the side
- bolsterStrengthen or buttress
- holdMaintain in grasp
- braceDevice providing structural stability
- bailoutEmergency aid preventing bankruptcy
leaning against · too big to fail · stabilize · crutch · band-aid solution · subsidize · support · reinforce · shim · underpinning · wedge · bankroll · safety net · strut · stanchion · steadying · sustain · shore up
- kind actshelping, aiding, assisting, donating, sharing
- reinforcingreinforcing, strengthening, supporting, bolstering, shoring
- body movementsflexion, bend, twist, standing, extension
propping upabandoning
Leaving permanently behind
deserting · forsaking · walking away from · cutting off · cutting loose
propping upself-sustaining
Able to continue independently
self-supporting · self-reliant · autonomous · freestanding · sustainable
propping upknocking down
Causing to collapse
toppling · bringing down · pushing over · pulling down · tearing down