sheet anchor
Last resort mooring
A sheet anchor is the largest anchor on a ship, kept in reserve for emergencies when the vessel is in danger of running aground or drifting.
Figuratively, a sheet anchor is any person or thing serving as a final resort or chief support: Her savings account was her sheet anchor against hard times.
The term implies reliable backup held for desperate circumstances.
Final available option
- fallbackAlternative if primary fails
- backupStored duplicate for recovery
- contingencyUncertain possible event
- safety netProtection against failure
lifeline · plan B · stopgap · rescue · salvation · recourse · fail-safe · insurance
Primary source of support
- pillarUpright architectural support
- backboneVertebral column, or courage
- cornerstoneFoundational building block
- foundationUnderlying support structure
bedrock · bulwark · stronghold · rock · stalwart · steadfast · dependable · trustworthy
last resort
Final available option
- fallbackAlternative if primary fails
- backupStored duplicate for recovery
- contingencyUncertain possible event
safety net · lifeline · plan B · stopgap · rescue · salvation · recourse · fail-safe · insurance · reserve
mainstay
Primary source of support
- pillarUpright architectural support
- backboneVertebral column, or courage
- cornerstoneFoundational building block
foundation · bedrock · bulwark · stronghold · rock · stalwart · steadfast · dependable · trustworthy · secure