tower of strength

Idioms and Phrases

A dependable person on whom one can lean in time of trouble, as in After Dad died Grandma was a tower of strength for the whole family . This expression, first recorded in 1549, originally was used most often to refer to God and heaven, but Shakespeare had it differently in Richard III (5:3): “Besides, the King's name is a tower of strength.”

Example Sentences

Daniel Christopher Birks, who trained Mr Henderson in 2010 and led the troop he was assigned to in Afghanistan, said: "He was such a tower of strength, kind of like the model recruit."

From BBC

Stewart’s performance holds everything together; her Lou is a quiet tower of strength, unexpectedly finding both love and darkness.

From Seattle Times

“My mother has been a tower of strength for our family, leaving us a legacy that will influence our children and generations to come,” Mrs. Comes said via text message.

From Washington Times

She is also 27 - petite and blonde and a tower of strength.

From BBC

As a couple throughout their married life, Daphne gave exemplary support to David and in his declining health was a tower of strength to him.

From BBC

Related Words

• bulwark
• citadel
• fortress
• mainstay
• stronghold