props up
Keeps from falling
Props up means to support or hold something in place, preventing it from falling or collapsing: She propped up the sagging shelf with a brick.
Figuratively, it describes sustaining something that might otherwise fail—a government props up a struggling industry, or flattery props up a fragile ego.
The implication is often that the support is temporary or artificial, masking underlying weakness.
Keep in condition
- preserveProtect from loss
- sustainKeep something going continuously
- upholdMaintain or confirm officially
- perpetuateKeep something going indefinitely
keep afloat · prolong · continue · carry on · keep going · buoy · float · tide over
Strengthen or buttress
- reinforceAdd strength to something
- strengthenMake more robust
- supportTo uphold or sustain
- backReverse side; support
boost · undergird · anchor · foundation · backbone · pillar · cornerstone · bedrock
Device providing structural stability
- buttressArchitectural wall reinforcement
- shore upStrengthen against failure
- underpinSupport from below
- scaffoldingTemporary exterior work platform
strut · beam · joist · truss · shoring · crutch · stanchion · post
Emergency aid preventing bankruptcy
- subsidyFinancial assistance from government
- stimulusWhat prompts a reaction
- injectionSyringe-delivered dose
- lifelineEssential connection to safety
rescue · backstop · quantitative easing · intervention · safety net · relief · funding · loan
System of governance
- puppetControlled performing figure
- dictatorRuler with total control
- strongmanPowerful lifter or despot
- allySupportive partner
client state · junta · autocrat · government · administration · ruling party · authoritarian
maintain
Keep in condition
- preserveProtect from loss
- sustainKeep something going continuously
- upholdMaintain or confirm officially
keep afloat · perpetuate · prolong · continue · carry on · keep going · buoy · float · tide over · see through
bolster
Strengthen or buttress
- reinforceAdd strength to something
- strengthenMake more robust
- supportTo uphold or sustain
back · boost · undergird · anchor · foundation · backbone · pillar · cornerstone · bedrock · scaffold
brace
Device providing structural stability
- buttressArchitectural wall reinforcement
- shore upStrengthen against failure
- underpinSupport from below
scaffolding · strut · beam · joist · truss · shoring · crutch · stanchion · post · column
bailout
Emergency aid preventing bankruptcy
- subsidyFinancial assistance from government
- stimulusWhat prompts a reaction
- injectionSyringe-delivered dose
lifeline · rescue · backstop · quantitative easing · intervention · safety net · relief · funding · loan · grant
regime
System of governance
- puppetControlled performing figure
- dictatorRuler with total control
- strongmanPowerful lifter or despot
ally · client state · junta · autocrat · government · administration · ruling party · authoritarian
props upknocks down
Forces to ground
topples · pulls down · tears down · knocks over · pushes over
props upundermines
Weakens by stealth
topples · overthrows · brings down · sabotages · destabilizes