Tower of strength


What's the meaning of the phrase 'Tower of strength'?

Someone who can be relied on to provide support and comfort.

What's the origin of the phrase 'Tower of strength'?

This term derives from The Book of Common Prayer, 1549:

“O lorde… Bee vnto them a tower of strength.”

Shakespeare later used it in Richard III, 1594:

‘The king’s name is a tower of strength.”

See also: ivory tower.

Gary Martin is a writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.

Gary Martin

Writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.