0
Anonymous Posted 9 years ago
Grammar

Shore up

Dear people,

The phrase shore up, I understand, is usually used in a

positive sense, as in "Their decision will surely shore up

the slumping economy." (my invention)

I saw a little while ago, however, a sentence, which says,

"And this is a trend that is shoring up problems for them

and for Japan as a whole." (emphasis added)

I am now a bit confused, wondering if shore up is used in a

negative sense, meaning "(the subject) is aggravating problems

for ..." If the interpretation was correct, it would be the first ever

usage that I have so far encountered.

I would be obliged if somebody should tell me what they would think?

Thank you very much.

Ray

  

Top answer

It just means to prop up or support. The object being supported or its consequence of support or collapse can be positive, negative or simply factual. The Ottoman Empire was shored up by its extensive taxing authority, but it collapsed after the Great War.

  • It just means to prop up or support.
  • The object being supported or its consequence of support or collapse can be positive, negative or simply factual.
  • The Ottoman Empire was shored up by its extensive taxing authority, but it collapsed after the Great War.
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

1 Answers
0

It just means to prop up or support. The object being supported or its consequence of support or collapse can be positive, negative or simply factual.

The Ottoman Empire was shored up by its extensive taxing authority, but it collapsed after the Great War. 

Related Questions