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Phrase(s): bolster something up
to give added support to something. • The carpenter bolstered the shelf up with a nail or two. • I had to bolster up the door or it would have fallen in., Phrase(s): bolster someone up
Fig. to give someone emotional support and encouragement. • We bolstered her up the best we could, but she was still unhappy. • I don’t mind bolstering up people who are depressed.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs