Learn English – the difference between the verbs “shore up” and “prop up”

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According to the Oxford dictionary the verb "shore up" means, support or hold up something with props or beams. However this acceptation can be expressed with "prop up". So I struggle to grasp the slightest of difference between these verbs.

I know that "shore up" may be used figuratively to say give support to anything that would otherwise fail or decline. So apparently shore up has a larger meaning. I want to know the context where either of these verbs is used.

example: shore up a building vs prop up a building (what is the difference)

Best Answer

shoring up something

is to reinforce the base for better support

propping up is one method of shoring up something

using "props" or beams. One can also

prop open a door

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