support

pillar of strength

A supportive or emotionally strong person. My aunt has been a pillar of strength for me, helping me through many difficult moments in my life.

See also: of, pillar, strength

lend support to (something)

1. To embellish something; to add information or details to something, especially to make it seem more credible or probable. He splashed mud all over his car and clothes to lend support to his story about being in the mountains all weekend. We cannot do anything that will lend support to our opponents' allegations about us.

2. To give something one's support or assistance. The president is lending support to the governor's re-election campaign. Your department will have responsibility for the project, but the sales team will lend support if needed.

See also: lend, support

moral support

Emotional or psychological support that one provides in order to give someone a feeling of confidence, encouragement, approval, or security. My dad's coming with me for moral support while I go make my complaint to the commissioner. After a breakup, it's important to surround yourself with friends and family who can give you moral support while you're feeling down.

See also: moral, support

be for someone or something

 and be for doing something

supporting or in favor of someone or something. I'm for abandoning the scheme. Mary is running for office, and the whole family is for her.

pillar of strength

 and pillar of support

someone or something that consistently provides moral, emotional, or financial support as does a pillar. My parents are my pillars of support. John looked to God as his pillar of strength.

See also: of, pillar, strength

moral support

Emotional or psychological backing, as opposed to material help. For example, There's not much I can do at the doctor's office, but I'll come with you to give you moral support . [Late 1800s]

See also: moral, support

lend supˈport, ˈweight, ˈcredence, etc. to something

make something seem more likely to be true or genuine: This latest evidence lends support to her theory.

See also: lend, something

(give somebody) ˌmoral supˈport

(give somebody) your friendship, encouragement, approval, etc. rather than financial or practical help: Will you stay and give me some moral support while I explain to him why I’m late? ♢ Your moral support alone isn’t enough. We need money to fund this cause.

See also: moral, support

be for

v.

To be in favor of something or someone: I'm definitely not for cutting down the trees; we need the shade. Are you for these candidates, or against them?