Meaning
A reliably strong and supportive person or institution during difficulty. Normally complimentary and applied to sustained support, not merely physical power. Regional use: British liturgical origin; now international English.
Origin
The Book of Common Prayer of 1549 asks God to be 'a tower of strength', using a defensive tower as an image of protection. Shakespeare reused the wording in Richard III, where a king's name is political strength, but he did not originate it. Modern use most often transfers the image to a person who provides practical or emotional support.
Research Sources
References used to check this entry’s meaning, history, or documented forms.
Variants
- Be a tower of strength
- Tower of strength
Usage Examples
- Mina was a tower of strength throughout the long appeal.
- The volunteer network became a tower of strength after the flood.
- He thanked his sister for being a tower of strength to the whole family.